The Trotters had been tipped by many to head straight back to League One having been promoted to the third tier as runners-up last time out, but Parkinson has defied all the odds to put his side in an excellent position to extend their Championship stay into a second year.
Excellent performance across the park have kept the north west side afloat, with winger Sammy Ameobi particularly impressing on the flanks.
The pacy forward’s displays have seen fans rise from their seats, but with his contract set to expire in June and no signs of a new deal being agreed, he could soon be seeking new employment.
However, he might not be the only departure, with the future of this pair sure to come under scrutiny…
The seasoned striker was picked up in the summer on a one-year deal following his release from Bristol City, intended by Parkinson to be used as an option from the bench and a man to chip in with the odd goal here in there.
Wilbraham has done just that, appearing from the side-lines a massive eighteen times to provide tiring defences with a physical presence to contend with.
Bagging just once and assisting another, Wilbraham has served his purpose at the club and will certainly move on in the summer.
The 38-year-old will surely attract interest from League Two if he decides to extend his playing career, but his time in the Championship has come to an end.
His twenty-one-year professional career is coming to an end, but there is certainly life in the old dog yet.
The versatile German linked up with Parkinson’s side in the new year having been without a club following his release from Sunderland towards the back end of last season, but it is unlikely he will extend his stay in the north west beyond the end of the campaign.
The 27-year-old will surely attract new employment and with a full season of pre-season activities under his belt, will return to the level of performance that saw Bayern Munich add him to their side from Mainz in 2013.
Kirchhoff has had a tough run in English football having made a couple of glaring errors early into his Black Cats career but recovered to become a reliable option at the Stadium of Light despite the club’s relegation.
Parkinson should pursue a longer deal for the Frankfurt-born man but there will surely be interest in his services when his current deal comes to a close.
Bolton fans, will you miss this pair?