Sunderland youngster reveals the big impact Phil Parkinson has had behind the scenes

Sunderland youngster Brandon Taylor has revealed the big impact Phil Parkinson has had on his progress.
Sunderland youngster Brandon Taylor has hailed Phil ParkinsonSunderland youngster Brandon Taylor has hailed Phil Parkinson
Sunderland youngster Brandon Taylor has hailed Phil Parkinson

The 20-year-old was handed a start in the FA Cup reverse at Gillingham after an injury crisis left Parkinson without a number of key players.

And Taylor has revealed how the new manager has quickly embraced the club’s contingent of young players.

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Parkinson has been quick to invite a number of the Black Cats’ under-23 side to train with their senior counterparts during their reign, and Taylor has been left impressed with his treatment of the next generation.

Speaking to the club’s match day programme, the centre back said: “Since the new manager came in, he’s been excellent for me; he’s been very supportive and always has time for the younger lads.

“The gaffer was telling me before the game to go out, enjoy it and express myself, and I feel like I did that.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and hopefully if I keep my head down in training and keep working hard more chances will come my way.

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Taylor was joined in the squad at Gillingham by Lee Connelly and Jack Bainbridge, both of whom were handed opportunities to impress from the bench.

And the youngster was delighted to see his teammates handed a chance.

“I’m buzzing for the other lads as well,” he admitted.

“I’ve been training with them for a few years now so to see the work they’ve put in pay off as well is brilliant.”

Now, Taylor is keen to ensure that he replicates the ‘unbelievable’ feeling from Gillingham on a more regular basis - as Sunderland turned their attentions back to the league.

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He said: “Obviously I’m disappointed with the result, it’s one the lads feel we shouldn’t have lost, but we have to focus on the league now.

“Walking onto the pitch with the rest of the lads was an unbelievable feeling for me, but the real hard work begins now and I need to keep my head down and keep working hard.”