The decision is surely more a reflection on our financial position rather than Parkinson's ability to keep us in the Championship. Performances have certainly improved under Parky but, let's face it, some of Pardew's last few were a complete embarrassment. Conversely, results under Parky have actually worsened and it is nigh on impossible to see how we will get the dramatic change in fortunes needed to avoid the drop.
Not a great position for Parkinson either because he's not going to look too good in four months time when he has taken us down and his contract expires. I guess he has to at least get the improvement needed to make a fight of it, save some face and give the fans confidence that he can make us competitive next year. Sorry, but I can't see it. Without the winning streak that might be possible under a new broom, I can't see any major improvement and we will be the first side relegated.
The Board have obviously weighed everything up in taking this decision. It looks like there was no financial alternative because the cost to the club of going down will be significant and far more than what might have been needed for a change of manager. No doubt they will argue that they could have forked out on a new manager, seen no improvement and still have been relegated.
Any thoughts that it couldn't get worse must now be banished and we will need to harden ourselves for the third division, further changes in personnel and crowds of 10,000 next season. Going down in this condition is likely to take more than 12 months to rectify, so don't expect an instant return. Ironic to think that 17,000 renewed their season tickets this year in the anticipation of a half-chance of free Premier League football next season. How the mighty have fallen.
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