October saw Sunderland claim their first win of the new season in a superb 3-0 home win in the Tyne-Wear derby against arch-rivals Newcastle United. Elsewhere, the club fell to an away defeat at West Brom and were unlucky as they drew 2-2 with West Ham at home. The month saw a new manager come into the club too, with Sam Allardyce replacing Dick Advocaat at the beginning of the month.
So who was the SAFC player of the month? Here is who our writers feel were the best performers in October:
