Manager talks for first time following sacking
Garry Monk has released a formal statement discussing his departure from Swansea City Football Club.
The Premier League outfit made the decision to part ways with Monk yesterday, and announced the news in the afternoon following a poor run of form.
Swansea have won just one out of their last 10, and it was a run that lead to Monk’s dismissal from a club he loves and as represented as a player and a manager.
Below you can read the full statement that Monk released.
Full Statement
“It’s with great sadness that I am leaving this special club.
“Over the last twelve years I have been part of the Swansea City family. It has been both an honour and a privilege to play for and manage this club.
“I believe that whenever you join a football club, the supporters deserve your blood, sweat and tears. I can say for sure I gave all those things and more.
“I have had too many amazing memories to mention them all. As a player captaining the club to three promotions, a League Cup winners medal and of course winning promotion to the Premier League via the Championship Play Off Final will be some of the best highlights. The biggest honour, for sure, was wearing the white jersey with pride.
“The transition from player straight to manager in the biggest league in the world is never an easy challenge, but it is a challenge that I have relished and immersed myself in. I have always tried to improve the principles and values that we have built at this club on and off the pitch on a daily basis. Recruiting high potential and established international players from different cultures and helping to develop them to fit into the team ethos whilst creating valuable players for the club.
“Taking over as manager in February 2014 whilst the club was involved in a relegation battle, two points above the bottom three positions with 13 league games left, then helping guide the club to safety, comfortably, whilst also managing the club in the Europa League were both amazing and great learning experiences which gave me great confidence to take the club forward.
“Then in my first full season taking the club to an historic 8th place finish and highest points tally in the Premier League, combined with starting this season so well leads to obvious disappointment of our recent run of results. Everyone at the club from myself, my staff and the players themselves have been working tirelessly to change this loss of form, but unfortunately have not been able to in satisfactory time.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that these players will start to show their true quality again very soon, and the club will be looking upwards once more.
“I feel truly proud of all we’ve done during my 22 months in charge. I would have liked to continue because I strongly believe we would have come through this period together and stronger but I will now use my time to reflect and improve, ready for my next challenge.
“I would like to finish by thanking Huw Jenkins and the board of directors for giving me the opportunity to manage this remarkable club and for their support throughout the whole of my journey at Swansea City. I must also thank my staff who have shown great support, work ethic and professionalism during my time and they all deserve massive credit for their contributions.
“To the players, they have been a true privilege to work with and to create some special memories together.
“Then most importantly I’d like to thank the ‘Jack Army’, who have just been incredible from the moment I walked into the club. Your loyalty and support for me has just blown myself and my family away and I will always carry a special place in my heart for you and this club.
“I wish the Swansea City family all the best for the future and continued success.”
– GARRY MONK.
