Is Gary Monk the right man for Swansea?

Swansea have appointed Garry Monk as their permanent boss on a three-year-contract

Swansea has appointed former-captain Garry Monk as their permanent boss.

The 35-year-old had previously been interim boss, but has now signed a three-year-contract with the Welsh side.

There was speculation that Monk could leave this summer, but the club have now put their faith in the former-Southampton centre-back.

Proud

Monk stated his pride at his appointment. He told the clubs official website: “It is the proudest moment of my career,”

“I’m honoured the club thinks so highly of me to give me this chance. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime – and one I fully intend to take.

“I have had a taste of the job for the last three months and it’s something I’ve really enjoyed. Now I’m really looking forward to the next phase in my life and the club’s progression.

“I’ll be looking to stamp my authority on the squad and the club – and take it forward. I have a plan in my mind and with the help of the chairman and the board how to implement it.”

Continuity

Garry Monk’s appointment should mean continuity for the Welsh club. The rookie boss has been at the club a long time, so he should know it inside out. However, just because he knows the club does not mean he is the right man to take the club forward in the future.

Confident

One thing that has impressed me so far about Garry Monk in his managerial career has been his confidence when talking about his team. He seems a natural with the media and by all accounts has always been a leader.

He also seems to be confident in his knowledge and ability to manage the team. I just hope that is not false confidence.

Solid

Monk’s performance as Swansea interim boss has struck me as solid, just like Monk himself during his playing days. The Swans have not improved dramatically under Monk compared to the performances under former-boss Michael Laudrup.

Inexperienced

There is always a gamble in appointing an inexperienced boss, especially at the top level. Monk was promoted from player to boss in February with no prior managerial experience at all. Although he was always a leader in the dressing room his lack of experience as a boss must worry some Swansea fans.

Monk has managed the Swans for 16 games and won just four, with two of those wins coming in the last three games. The rookie’s managerial record is not exactly inspiring so far, but he will only gain experience from managing, but he is managing at the highest level.

A lot of managers work their way up to be Premier League bosses, but promoting from within seems to now be the trend. Spurs did it with Tim Sherwood, while Ryan Giggs was placed in charge of Manchester United, albeit on a temporary basis.

Sherwood has been a coach for a long time, while Ryan Giggs played under legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for two decades. Monk has had a less illustrious career than the other two, but just because a boss has not had a top level playing career does not mean he would not make a good boss.

The likes of Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger are two good examples of top bosses who did not have distinguished playing careers, but have become top bosses.

British

Garry Monk is now that rare breed, the top-flight British boss. Swansea could very well have gone for a foreign boss in the same vein as Paolo Sousa, Roberto Martinez or more recently Michael Laudrup.

Good judgement

However, the Swans have gone for continuity and the solid option. The Swansea board have a very good record at selecting bosses. The Swans have had successful bosses in the likes of the aforementioned Martinez and Laudrup, plus Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, among others.

It seems that Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins and his board have a good eye for spotting managerial talent. I am sure most Swans fans will have faith in their board, after they have shown such good judgment in selecting bosses.

Gamble

Appointing Garry Monk on a permanent basis is a gamble by the Swansea board. Monk has a big job on his hands trying to maintain the team’s style of play, just as the last few bosses have done to a certain extent.

For Swansea’s sake I just hope that Monk is the right man for the job, because if he is not then the team could find themselves in for another season of struggle in the new campaign.

Swansea complete their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a trip to in-form Sunderland in a game that they are odds of 12/5 to win. I am sure that Monk would like to celebrate his first game as permanent Swansea boss with a win.

However, Sunderland could move above the Swans in the table with a victory and after their recent good run of form the Swans may have a difficult time ending their season with a win.

Is Gary Monk the right man for Swansea?