This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
When Juan Sartori walked through the doors of Sunderland in 2018, it’s unlikely he would have expected the club to remain in League One for much longer.
Initially purchasing a 20% stake from Steward Donald in May of that year, he stated that the Uruguayan would help the Black Cats maximise their potential.
That potential, however, is surely in the Premier League. A staple club of the English top-flight, they’re now heading towards Football League mediocrity. Sartori and Donald haven’t yet delivered on that promise.
In fact, it’s got so bad that just two wins from Phil Parkinson’s opening 11 matches in charge has seen calls for him to be sacked and replaced with former striker Kevin Phillips.
Arguably, more time is needed to put things right, even if initial signs show that he was the wrong appointment.
Sunderland haven’t won since the beginning of November and with the club now sitting in mid-table, reaching the playoffs is far from certain. Anything less than promotion would be a failure for the northeast outfit.
Yet, despite owning just a small stake, Sartori could be the man who has the biggest say in Parkinson’s future – that’s if he stays in January.
Charlie Methven recently stated that the 38-year-old businessman was set to take a more active role in proceedings. Having narrowly missed out on a bid to become his country’s National Party presidential candidate, he was elected as a senator but still plans to become more involved in the day-to-day running of the club.
Methven confirmed to Sunderland Echo: “Juan Sartori put a large chunk of money into the club in September.”
In terms of Parkinson’s tenure this could be huge, especially if he’s allowed to spend some of those funds in January.
In short, this squad isn’t good enough and the former Bolton boss has only been able to work with the players from the old regime. None of the current crop are his and perhaps that’s been one cause of his downfall.
Will Grigg has only scored once while a whole host of players have come under fire. Club captain Grant Leadbitter has been the subject of scrutiny while even top scorer Chris Maguire has taken pelters from supporters.
Two wins suggest more quality is needed and it could be Sartori’s investment that saves Parkinson’s job and gets Sunderland back on the right track.
Because those assets weren’t pumped into the club until September, the full force of their might wasn’t felt last summer. This will be the first window with greater funds available and the club simply have to take advantage of it.
It could well be a defining moment in not only Parkinson’s future, but also Sunderland’s.
In other news, Parkinson has received the backing of Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews…
