Phil Parkinson's future and tactics, promising youngsters and who needs to shape-up: Sunderland AFC writer verdicts

Here, Richard Mennear (RM) and Mark Donnelly (MD) look at a number of questions that will be buzzing around the Academy of Light before football returns:

Is Phil Parkinson the right man to lead Sunderland next season and does he need to alter his tactics?

RM: There has - and continues to be - a huge amount of pressure and scrutiny on Sunderland's owners given the understandable concerns over finances, cash flow, season ticket fiasco, academy players being sold off, the list goes on.

But there hasn't been much spotlight on Phil Parkinson. He was brought in to win promotion and Sunderland failed to achieve that. However, there are enough mitigating factors to give him enough credit in the bank for another chance at a promotion push.

The season was ended early and he only had one mid-season transfer window. The pressure, as Jack Ross found out, will however be fierce from the start of 2020-21 (whenever that may be) and Sunderland need to start well.

They also need to be more flexible tactically, Sunderland lacked a Plan B at times last season when the 3-4-3 system didn't work. Sunderland were flying for a couple of months but then tailed off badly. Plenty of work to do this summer when the players are finally allowed to return for training - and much work to do in the transfer market.

All eyes on the recruitment team too, who have much to prove.

MD: I understand why fans are perhaps a little bit conflicted when it comes to Parkinson’s future. He was brought in to deliver promotion and didn’t deliver on that front – although there is of course an argument as to whether Sunderland would have achieved that had the season continued.

But at a club needing profound change – not least when it comes to the catastrophic ownership situation – one area I wouldn’t look to change is the personnel in the dugout.

There were enough green shoots last season to justify Parkinson being given another chance in the new campaign.

This time, however, there can be no excuses. While there is of course a host of uncertainty surrounding the game, Sunderland have known their fate for months (even if officially, there was still a glimmer of hope that they may have been allowed to play on). Parkinson should now know what is required in his squad and the kind of players he will need to bring in.

Tactically, Sunderland need some more flexibility and an alternative option for when teams suss out their 3-4-3 (which we saw on numerous occasions as the season edged towards curtailment).

But I’m backing Parkinson, and it’s time for him to show why he was brought to the club.

Who will be the surprise package of the 2020-21 season in the SAFC squad?

RM: This could prove to be the year that Elliot Embleton fulfills his potential at Sunderland following a successful loan spell at Grimsby Town.

With Ethan Robson sadly departing, all eyes will be on Embleton as the next academy product looking to establish himself at Sunderland.

Those who worked closely with him at Grimsby are full of praise and this is a big chance for him with Sunderland again languishing in the third tier. Hopefully he is given a sustained opportunity.

MD: While I echo Rich’s thoughts on Embleton – and firmly believe he will be a key player for Sunderland next term - there’s another youngster I’m excited about.

Jack Diamond has really been catching the eye during his loan spell at Harrogate Town and was in a rich vein of form before their season was suspended.

Phil Parkinson mentioned during his interview with BBC Radio Newcastle last week that he was looking forward to seeing Diamond in pre-season training, and he’s one player who could make a mark in League One.

A notable mention to Josh Scowen, too. Limited to just one start since arriving at Sunderland, he could be a key man next term.

Which player needs to shape up the most?

RM: Will Grigg. The price tag hanging over his head is not his fault but at some point he is going to have to start producing the goods for Sunderland. Provided he stays on Wearside, of course.Sunderland would likely welcome any bids for him given how badly his spell on Wearside has gone to date but there will be few clubs in the current climate who could match his wages at this level.Grigg insists he remains committed to Sunderland. Time to prove it.

MD: It’s hard to say anyone other than Grigg, isn’t it?

We all know that actions speak louder than words, so it’s time for Grigg to show that he really is ‘fully committed’ to Sunderland.

While there will no doubt be clubs continuing to monitor his situation this summer, it’s unlikely that any will be able to provide an offer that proves tempting to player and club.

I genuinely believe that the striker can still come good at the Stadium of Light, so here’s hoping he hits the ground running in pre-season.

Which player can't they afford to lose?

RM: Jordan Willis. Willis was one of the very few highlights of last season. He is a key player, the best defender and integral in the 3-4-3 system that Parkinson favours with his overlapping runs out wide.

Willis has proved one of the few success stories when it comes to recent recruitment at Sunderland. More like him are needed if the club is to win promotion in what is going to be another fiercely competitive division.

MD: I’d say Luke O’Nien.

We know there was Championship interest in him last summer, and there may well be again.

But Sunderland cannot afford to lose a player who has slotted into Parkinson’s new system seamlessly – and who is a superb ambassador for the club away from the pitch.

It's players of his mould that Sunderland should be looking to recruit, rather than sell, this summer.