Former Swansea City boss Garry Monk is proving a success at Leeds United?
It is 11 months since Swansea City made the ruthless decision to sack Garry Monk as manager amid a disappointing run of form.
But looking at where Swansea are now, and the trajectory of Monk’s career, it appears they may have panicked in getting rid of the promising manager.
When Monk was dismissed, there is no mistaking they were in a rut. They had won only one of their previous 11 games, but occupied 15th position in the Premier League table.
Former Swansea manager Garry Monk
The worst thing about Monk’s dismissal was that there appeared to be no plan in place. Coach Alan Curtis was placed in charge, but never looked comfortable in the role, and it was handed to Italian manager Francesco Guidolin, his first job in English football.
He helped them rally, and the Swans went onto achieve a respectable 12th position, but it came as no surprise when he was sacked in October, months into the 2016/17 season.
Former US coach Bob Bradley was appointed in his place, but is without a win in four games, and the Swans sit joint bottom of the table on point with Sunderland, low on confidence and quality.
Swansea City manager Bob Bradley during the press conference
Monk meanwhile took the bold step of going for the poisoned chalice of the Leeds United job, which has chewed up and spat out many more experienced managers before him.
Yet with his old Swansea City coaching staff, and a trio of ex-Swans on loan, Monk is making a real go of it, and it is not inconceivable that Leeds could swap divisions with Swansea, with the Whites in sixth spot, occupying a play-off position.
Leeds manager Garry Monk
Monk’s first season in charge had seen him lead the club to their highest ever points total, but panic from the board last December saw them dismiss him.
While it could be argued that leaving Monk in charge could have resulted in relegation last season, from a long term perspective he appears a very talented manager, who left alone could have got it right, and the Swans may well be wondering whether they got it badly wrong.
Former Swansea manager Garry Monk
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