Leeds United won’t have Garry Monk in the dugout next season.
Gone… Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Leeds United suffered a blow last week when head coach Garry Monk handed in his resignation.
Monk’s departure leaves Leeds having to rebuild ahead of next year’s battle to try and win promotion.
His exit is a blow for players like Chris Wood and Pablo Hernandez who thrived under his management.
For others Monk’s exit could actually be to their benefit. Here are four players who could have a bright future thanks to Monk’s resignation…
Liam Cooper
Leeds United’s Liam Cooper
Scotland international Liam Cooper spent most of last season as third choice due to the excellent form of Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley.
Monk’s exit removes any chance of Leeds signing Bartley permanently, meaning as it stands, Cooper is one of the club’s top two centre-backs.
It is an area Leeds need to strengthen, but Cooper will get an early chance in pre-season to stake his claim to the new manager and show they need a back up instead of a player to replace him.
Marcus Antonsson
Marcus Antonsson of Leeds United in action
Swedish striker Marcus Antonsson was one of Monk’s early signings at Leeds, but he never really used him.
Despite scoring in Monk’s first league win as Leeds manager against Sheffield Wednesday, Antonsson was not picked to start a league game after September.
When called upon for the under-23s he scored, and bagged a couple in the EFL Cup, and was deserving of more opportunities.
An exit seemed on the cards but now he has been given a temporary reprieve and could still prove himself a credible first team option.
Luke Murphy
Burton Albion’s Luke Murphy
Midfield ace Luke Murphy was picked regularly by six of Monk’s successive predecessors at Leeds United, but the former Swansea boss didn’t take a liking to him.
Murphy was sent to the under-23s and then loaned to Burton where he played well, helping the Brewers avoid relegation.
Previous managers have taken a shine to Murphy and his career at Leeds might not be done yet.
Kemar Roofe
Leeds United’s Kemar Roofe looks dejected
Leeds spent £3 million to sign Kemar Roofe from Oxford last summer, although the attacker did not live up to his billing.
After netting 25 goals for Oxford the season before, a lot was expected, but Monk could not get him going.
Roofe struggled to find the net, and much of this was down to his manager’s failure to find the best position for him, unable to work him into his system.
Another head coach may have better luck, and Roofe could look like a different player next season.
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