Parkinson's side would subsequently embark on a six-game unbeaten run following the win, however the club remained inside the relegation zone at its conclusion, having drawn five of the six games. Such was the poor start to the season, it took Parkinson's reinvigorated Bolton side until early December to emerge from the relegation zone, after beating Barnsley 3–1 at home. Bolton earned their first away victory of the season on 30 December 2017, producing a shock 1–0 win at high-flying Sheffield United. Parkinson's Bolton side won back-to-back league matches for the first time since winning promotion on 1 January 2018, by defeating struggling Hull City 1–0. The result saw Bolton emerge from the relegation zone on New Year's Day. Bolton's improved results coincided with Gary Madine hitting form, with the striker scoring the only goals in both victories to bring his tally for the season up to nine goals. Parkinson resigned as Bolton manager on 21 August 2019. Sunderland On 17 October 2019, Parkinson was unveiled as the Sunderland manager on a two and a half-year contract. He parted company with Sunderland on 29 November 2020. Wrexham On 1 July 2021, Parkinson was appointed manager of National League side Wrexham on a 12-month rolling contract. Parkinson was awarded the National League Manager of the Month award for March 2022 after leading the team to four wins and a draw. This award came two days after Wrexham had defeated league leaders Stockport County 2–0 in the FA Trophy semi-final to win a place in the final at Wembley against Bromley. Managerial statistics Honours Colchester League One runner-up: 2005–06 Bradford City League Two play-offs: 2012–13 EFL Cup runner-up: 2012–13 Bolton Wanderers League One runner-up: 2016–17 Wrexham FA Trophy runner-up: 2021–22 Individual LMA Special Merit Award: 2013 LMA FA Cup Manager of the Year: 2015 Football League/EFL Outstanding Managerial Achievement: 2013 Football League/EFL League One Manager of the Month: January 2006, August 2009, November 2010, December 2014, August 2016, October 2016, March 2017, January 2020 Football League/EFL League Two Manager of the Month: December 2011. LMA Manager of the Month: League One - March 2003, September 2003, January 2006, August 2009, November 2010, December 2014, August 2016, October 2016, March 2017. League Two - December 2011. National League Manager of the Month: March 2022, September 2022, January 2023 References External links BBC Essex interview on 6 May 2006 on achieving promotion with Colchester