Garry Monk gives his honest reaction to Gary Rowett’s sacking at Birmingham

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The Leeds boss feels overwhelming sympathy for the dismissed Blues man.

Leeds United manager Garry Monk has admitted to the Yorkshire Evening Post that he was “amazed” by Birmingham City’s “unbelievable” decision to sack manager Gary Rowett on Wednesday.

Blues, sitting in seventh place and outside the play-off spots only on goal difference ahead of last night’s games, stunned their fanbase by announcing that popular boss Rowett had been dismissed just hours after the win over Ipswich Town, a decision met with disbelief from supporters.

Less than six hours after that announcement, the club went public with the news that former West Ham United and Watford head coach Gianfranco Zola had been appointed as Rowett’s replacement.

Rowett, a former Birmingham hero as a player, had worked wonders with the Blues during his time in charge, steering them away from relegation danger to finish 10th after taking over in 2014 and repeating that finish in his first full season last term.

The decision to sack him with the club so well placed has been met with incredulity from many, and Leeds boss Monk added his voice to the disbelievers on Thursday afternoon.

He said, via the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I was amazed if I’m honest. I think it’s an unbelievable decision from the outside. Gary is an excellent manager. I think he has done a fantastic job at Birmingham, taking them from when he took over to where they are.

“I know they missed out very closely on the play-offs last year but they seem to be building a good squad there and they were competing in and around the play-offs again this season.

“To me, it’s an unbelievable decision. But, I think in football nowadays, nothing really shocks you any more. I wish Gary all the best and I’m sure he won’t find it hard to find another job.”

Monk is a man who knows all about the intensity of management, having been sacked at the club at which he had been a hero and captain, Swansea City, before taking on one of the most high-pressure jobs in English football at Elland Road.