Wise Men Say: The lottery of the play-offs is a fearful one for Sunderland but it needn’t be an assumed fate - just yet

It showed Phil Parkinson’s league record as Sunderland manager, split into his first nine games and the most recent 12.

The difference was stark. In those opening nine fixtures, Parkinson’s side managed just a third of the 27 points on offer; in the 12 games after, 29 were garnered from 36, a run of form that propelled the Black Cats back into fifth.

That loss to Coventry was a blow, one which has observers wondering if this side has the mettle or quality to achieve automatic promotion.

The fear is this is a play-off side for the second year running.

During a torrid opening two months, Parkinson was heavily criticised for an ineffective and unambitious style of play.

A nadir was reached in the Bolton draw which saw five defenders and two holding midfielders scrap out a point with the bottom side.

Sunday’s loss was different – it was an even game, punctuated only by a sloppy moment – but there are legitimate concerns the Black Cats don’t have what it takes to propel themselves into the top two.

Fears the side has no effective ‘plan B’ are rife.

Lynden Gooch and Denver Hume were key protagonists during the upturn; both are now actively targeted by opposing sides.

Many fans felt an experienced new striker was needed in January; Charlie Wyke’s indifferent form has done little to persuade otherwise.

Yet out of concern springs hope. For all some worry inflexibility will be his downfall, Parkinson has already shown himself capable of changing things for the better.

That Bolton game led to him ripping things up and starting anew.

Moreover, though six of their remaining 10 games are away, they are largely against favourable opposition. Recent weeks have seen Sunderland thump some of League One’s lesser lights. There is no reason that can’t continue.

The prospect of the play-offs is a fearful one but it needn’t be an assumed fate just yet.

There is plenty of football to be played and the Black Cats have already shown a mental fortitude many assumed was lacking.

Parkinson may just have to tweak his approach once more.