Sunderland have confirmed that Nick Allamby has joined the club as a physical performance coach, and the news has been met with a mixed reaction from fans.
The former Bolton coached worked with manager Phil Parkinson for three years at Bolton, helping him to guide the Trotters to promotion in 2017, and kept them in the Championship until financial trouble led to relegation last season.
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Some supporters seem to be encouraged by that fact, but others are less impressed, with one pointing out that Parkinson’s strategy of reuniting with people he has worked with previously is akin to what David Moyes did during his stint at the club – which didn’t end well.
However, the addition of a new coach to help the players perform better should be seen as a good step, and if it leads to an increase in fitness then fans may see the rewards in the form of better performances and more wins.
After all, Allamby was part of a set-up that won promotion from League One before, and if Parkinson is able to recreate that environment it will surely only serve his team well.
Here are some of the contrasting reactions from the Sunderland faithful to the appointment.