Crusaders manager Declan Caddell has been awarded October's manager of the month by the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association.

The Crues recorded victories over Coleraine and Ballymena United in the Irish Premiership, along with a draw with Larne at Inver Park.

Caddell's side also knocked Linfield out of the County Antrim Shield and defeated Championship side Ballyclare Comrades in the BetMcLean Cup.

"It was a good month even though we lost to Linfield in the league. It's always difficult when you play a team back-to-back like that," said Caddell, who replaced long-serving Stephen Baxter as the manager at Seaview

"But to take seven points in the league and to progress in both cup competitions means it was a good month. It was nice to put a run together.

"On a personal level, it's nice to be named Manager of the Month by the Football Writers', as I never managed to win the Player of the Month award!".