With much of the focus on whether Sunderland will be under new ownership sometime soon, Phil Parkinson's future at the club is also increasingly uncertain.

The Black Cats' latest defeat to MK Dons last weekend mean they are outside of the play-off places after their first 11 games of the season in League One, and fans were quick to voice their fury about the manager after the game.

Whilst Stewart Donald may have more of an eye on seeing the club's takeover go through, he could make a hugely decisive call before that actually happens.

The defeat against the Dons last Saturday was the kind of harsh reality check that would have set alarm bells ringing - the away side hadn't won on the road for well over a year, and had been just about hovering above the relegation zone this season.

Earning promotion back to the Championship must be at the top of the agenda, and whilst showing a little bit of patience and time can reap its rewards, the Black Cats could really kick-start their season by removing Parkinson from the dugout.

There won't be any shortage of suitors considering the size and appeal of the club, and they surely won't face any problems in replacing him.

Sunderland are a Premier League club floundering in League One. It's time to act as ruthless as the big boys at the top of English football and make a quick-fire call to turn things around. If this is to be Donald's last major act before he finally leaves the club, then it might just be a welcome parting gift.