The Leeds United boss was reportedly offered a 12-month extension but resigned on Thursday.
It was the headline no Leeds United fan expected: Garry Monk had resigned from the club shortly after talk of a contract extension had made its way into the press, and a timely interview from the club’s owner suddenly makes for a very interest read.
Andrea Radrizzani had been speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post about Monk’s contract situation, and for the first time in a long time when it came to Leeds owners, his comments made a whole heap of sense.
The Whites had activated a 12-month extension for the former Swansea City gaffer; news that had been met with consternation from those Leeds supporters who felt Monk deserves a longer contract.
However the Italian, who recently bought out Massimo Cellino’s stake at Elland Road, explained his thinking and, shortly before Monk’s huge decision, it was hard to disagree.
“I think in my opinion it’s fair to have time to know each other because I’m starting now,” Radrizzani told the YEP.
“I never had a chance to know him. I don’t see any problem with us having this period and then, with more time and calm, discuss an extension.
“If he has a different opinion than I’m also keen and flexible to listen.”
Monk arrived at Leeds with a fine reputation and after a shaky start he led his side on a run that looked to have secured a top-six finish.
However, an alarming dip in form at the business end of the campaign saw them slip out of the play-off places right at the death, leaving Fulham to leapfrog them and – albeit briefly – dream of a return to the top flight.
With a fresh deal Monk would have had time to impress the new owner; instead, to the confusion of so many, he walked away.
Leeds already had to focus on signing the players that can supplement what they already have and ensure they are not also-rans in 2018. Yet now they also need to appoint a new manager.
Radrizzani’s role as sole owner was expected to lead to some much needed stability at Elland Road, but that still seems some way off.
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