Reaction to Sunderland team news a sign of the intense pressure on Phil Parkinson to win promotion
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An experienced manager, Parkinson knew when he was appointed that promotion is all that counts.
Sunderland fell short last season, not helped of course by the suspension of the league campaign but they were by no means certain play-off contenders anyway.
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Hide AdNow in their third season in the third tier, the pressure has cranked up a further few notches.
A strong start is key and dropping two points at home on the opening day was disappointing, adding further pressure on the trip to Oxford United.
A sign of the pressure on Parkinson came on social media when the team news landed. While social media doesn't represent the full views of the fanbase it does help gauge the mood among supporters.
And the decision to start Grant Leadbitter instead of Josh Scowen for the suspended George Dobson did not go down well. At all. There were also question marks over the decision to drop Will Grigg for Danny Graham and concern over the lack of youngsters on the bench, Dan Neil and Jack Diamond still waiting for their opportunity.
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Hide AdWith strong competition and a lack of injuries, Neil and Diamond may have to wait a little longer.
The decision to start Leadbitter was a bold one but Parkinson was confident he would help bring control and ultimately that call proved correct, Sunderland running out 2-0 winners thanks to a much-improved second half.
Every decision Parkinson makes will be under intense scrutiny. There is little room for error with League One set to be even more competitive than last year.
Ipswich Town, Lincoln City and Hull City setting the early pace.
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Hide AdIt's a marathon not a sprint as everyone will keep telling you but that doesn't lessen the pressure on Parkinson, who knows Sunderland must enjoy a strong start over the opening 10 games.
There will be little patience should Sunderland's form stutter given the high pressure on promotion. Another campaign in the fourth tier is unthinkable.
Parkinson remains confident he has what it takes to lead the club to promotion. There is little room for error.