Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson reacts after being named League One manager of the month

Parkinson has this morning been announced as the winner of the January award after guiding Sunderland through the month unbeaten.

They took fourteen points from six games to reignite their promotion ambitions.

Parkinson beat Portsmouth’s Kenny Jackett, Doncaster Rovers’ Darren Moore and Rotherham United’s Paul Warne to the accolade.

It marks a remarkable turnaround for the Black Cats, who were languishing in their lowest ever position after a 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day.

Though a 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth on the first of this month has checked their momentum somewhat, Parkinson said he was very proud of the recognition.

“I'm very proud of it because a lot of effort went into the month from everybody,” he said.

“That's players, staff and supporters as well.

“It's an award for everybody.”