'They have had so much pain' - This is what bookies favourite Paul Cook said about Sunderland job

Phil Parkinson was relieved of his duties on Sunday, following a disappointing draw against Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town on Friday,

The result left Sunderland eighth in League One and outside of the play-offs without a win in five fixtures.

Since then, speculation has circled linking former Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth manager Cook’s name with the Stadium of Light hot seat, alongside Danny Cowley, John O’Shea and Gus Poyet.

Indeed, Cook – now 2/1 on to be the club’s next permanent manager with SkyBet – spoke about the situation and Sunderland just days after Parkinson had been sacked on the Totally Football League Show.

“The brutal reality of it is you have to be promoted, you must win football games,” Cook explained.

“Because, you know, and you guys will see it close hand, everyone speaks about plans and philosophies and giving the new manager time. Normally by the time the press have left the car park that day, you’re under the microscope right away.

“That’s just football today. I felt that in a sense when I managed Portsmouth. The problem, again, for managers that go into these clubs is that the supporters, in general, are that used to seeing big names, big players. full stadiums, winning football.”

Cook resigned as Wigan manager earlier this year, following the club's relegation due to a 12-point deduction applied after the Latics went into administration.

However, the 53-yer-old was full of praise for Sunderland fans when questioned about their expectations.

“I do feel for Sunderland fans because what they have been through in the last five/six years is horrendous.

“Relegations, even the documentaries, you know, the Sunderland ‘Til I Die documentary because unfortunately, we all know how those documentaries are ending.

“They’re losing play-offs at Wembley to late goals, they have had so much pain.

“And like a lot of big clubs, Sunderland fans are absolutely unbelievably strong good supporters.

“So I think any manager that goes in will know the rules quite quickly, you must deliver.”

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