Swansea City, Leeds United, Middlesboro, Birmingham City. Clubs managed by Garry Monk.
During his 156 games as a manager, Monk has a win percentage of 41.7%. Since the turn of the millennium, only two Birmingham City managers can boast a higher win ratio – Trevor Francis and Chris Hughton.
Monk’s managerial career may have taken a bump in the road after being sacked from Middlesboro, ironically his first opponents as Blues boss, just 26 games into his tenure but his previous work at Swansea City and Leeds United earned him praise in the national media.
Even his spell at the Riverside wasn’t a total write-off – with Boro three points off the play-off places at the time he was dismissed.
The 38 year-old was reportedly Blues’ first choice in the summer when it seemed likely Harry Redknapp wouldn’t wish to remain in charge.
Blues, and Monk, took different avenues but have eventually met at a crossroads.
His three-and-a-half contract (or three years and three months as it seems to be) will mean very little. The last three men in the St. Andrews hotseat have scraped just over a year between them. The assumption is that Monk’s future will depend on what division Blues find themselves in next season.
Does the appointment of a young manager offer a new dawn for the club – a fresh start? The owners will certainly hope so.
The players have dealt with too much upheaval recently which is one of the main factors as to why Monk takes over a team languishing in the bottom three.
Monk, who will be unveiled today, will speak of long term objectives. The only immediate aim is to stave off relegation once again.
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