Jack Ross has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month award for October.
The Scot has overseen an historic start to his tenure, with 35 points from 16 games marking the highest points tally at this stage of a campaign in the club’s history.
Unbeaten in October, the Lads maintained their promotion push by picking up 13 points from a possible 15.
At the start of the month, a breathless encounter with fellow contenders Peterborough United ended level at the Stadium of Light, as an impressive performance set the tone.
Bradford City, Shrewsbury Town, Doncaster Rovers and Southend United were swept aside in the weeks that followed, while Carlisle United were also beaten in the Checkatrade Trophy.
And that winning run stretched to six games on Saturday, as the Lads started November with a win and moved into the top two.
Speaking about the nomination, Sunderland AFC’s executive director, Charlie Methven, said: “Jack has brought leadership and a winning mentality to the club.
“He’s delivered on everything he said he would in his first interview with us, and we’ve not regretted appointing him for a second in six months.
“I often hear people say, ‘it’s Sunderland and with their budget they should be at the top’, but the process has been far more complex than that, both on and off the pitch.
“Jack has never shied away from the task at hand, and although everyone at the club has played their part, he has led by example.
“Our form throughout October and the wider season has given us a great platform to build from, but we haven’t accomplished anything yet and the hard work must continue on all fronts.”
The winner will be announced on Friday and is judged by a panel comprising of former Ipswich Town manager George Burley, Sky Sports’ EFL League expert Don Goodman; EFL Marketing Director Drew Barrand, League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet EFL Trader Mikey Mumford.