Phil Parkinson's decision not to face the press was a mistake as crisis-hit Sunderland drop more points

And this is very much a crisis for Sunderland AFC.

The bar has been set so low this season that Saturday’s flat performance against promotion rivals Blackpool was seen as an improvement in some quarters.

It was better than the dire defeat to Gillingham the week before but real positives were few and far between.

Charlie Wyke did well on his return to the starting line-up and scored a good goal, should have had a second but his header hit the bar.

Chris Maguire, who has been working on his fitness, was a real threat from set pieces. It was good to see Lynden Gooch return to action.

Beyond that?

Sunderland looked one-dimensional, struggled to get bodies in the opposition box playing three centre backs and there was a distinct lack of quality and attempts on target, just two.

Sunderland are four points off the play-off positions having dropped a place to 12th, their lowest league position in 31 years.

Phil Parkinson, tasked with leading the club to promotion after replacing Jack Ross, is a man under pressure having won just two from 13 in all competitions.

A dire start which includes eight defeats.

So it was disappointing that Parkinson chose not to speak to the press post-match at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland were down to ten men against Blackpool for the final 15 minutes but held on for a point.

Fans would expect to hear from the manager post-match to hear his views on the performance, the result, how is he going to turn the situation around?

With more points dropped, what is the plan? How are the January plans progressing? Etc, etc.

Yet Parkinson chose not to speak, assistant boss Steve Parkin sent to the press room instead.

There is only so much the No2 can say.

Whether fans like what Parkinson has to say or not - and a significant chunk do not - they still want to hear from the manager.

We were told Parkinson had had a busy week and wanted to mix things up, a change, so Parkin carried out the post-match duties.

If Sunderland were in the middle of four games in eight days then that would be understandable but Sunderland played last Saturday and then don’t play again until Boxing Day.

All it did was anger supporters further, and adding more fuel to a burning fire is not what Sunderland need right now.

It’s never a good look when the assistant is sent to do press duties following a disappointing result and this was a disappointing result, more points dropped at home.

Parkinson will hope the Sunderland players do his talking for him over a busy festive period with a string of positive results but the way the team is playing that seems highly unlikely.

In times of crisis, Sunderland AFC need strong leadership on and off the pitch.

From Stewart Donald, watching on from the director’s box, to Parkinson in the dugout and the players on the pitch, only strong leadership will help turn the crisis engulfing Sunderland around.

*How did Sunderland’s loan men fare this weekend?

ETHAN ROBSON (GRIMSBY TOWN)The midfielder was restored to Grimsby’s starting line-up in what will surely have been a boost to his chances of starring for Sunderland after his loan expires.

And Robson impressed during the 0-0 draw with Carlisle United - clipping the bar with a free-kick in an all-action display.

JACK DIAMOND (HARROGATE TOWN)

Harrogate came from two goals down to beat Hartlepool United in the FA Trophy. Unfortunately for Diamond, he was withdrawn at half-time.

JORDAN HUNTER (SOUTH SHIELDS)

Also in FA Trophy action were Hunter and Shields, with the full-back once again starting as the Mariners claimed a surprise 2-2 draw with Southport.

The National League side were heavy favourites, but Shields actually led 2-1 as they almost caused a major giant-killing.

They will now battle it out in a replay tomorrow.

JACK BALDWIN (SALFORD CITY)

Baldwin remains sidelined through injury, missing the Ammies’ 1-0 defeat to Exeter.