Football
ESPN staff 10y

Garry Monk signs three-year Swans deal

Swansea City have confirmed Garry Monk as the club's new permanent manager.

#INSERT type:image caption:Garry Monk has won four and drawn three of his 13 league games in charge. END#

Monk, who was put in charge following the dismissal of Michael Laudrup in February, has signed a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium

"We are delighted to confirm Garry as our new first-team manager," chairman Huw Jenkins told the Swans' official website. "As a board of directors, we carefully considered our next step because it was a very important decision for our football club but, having gone through that process, we unanimously agreed that the timing was right for Garry to be offered the job on a permanent basis.

"As we look forward to our fourth season in the Premier League, we all agreed that we needed to get back to basics and reinforce the principles that have brought us success in recent years.

"Garry represents all the strong values we hold so dearly as a football club and everyone is looking forward to working with him. We have all been impressed with his work-rate and commitment since taking over the reins in February and how he adapted in very difficult circumstances to secure the points we needed to remain in the top-flight.

"Garry will work with the current staff to refocus and improve the playing squad over the summer in order to build a strong, competitive team for another big challenge that lies ahead next season.''

Monk added: "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. I have been given a massive responsibility to manage this proud football club, but I have always been a person that enjoys and relishes responsibility, so I am looking forward to the challenge.''

Monk had taken charge with Swansea just two points clear of the relegation zone after a run of just one victory in their previous 10 games under Laudrup.

A 3-0 victory over local rivals Cardiff City in his first game in charge lifted the side back into the top half and, although he claimed just three points from the six games that followed, wins against Norwich, Newcastle United and Aston Villa in recent weeks have ensured their top-flight safety.

Before his appointment was confirmed, Monk had said he had already discussed his plans for next season with Jenkins.

"I said at the start of all this that I would do it properly," he had said. "I would do it as if I am planning for the future and taking the club forward. I think if I wasn't doing that, it wouldn't put me in a good situation.

"I have spoken to the chairman about the future, possible targets, positions you would want to strengthen within the squad."

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