A classy sign-off from Garry Monk after setting foundations for success at Sheffield Wednesday

After 14 months in charge of the Owls, it was confirmed earlier this week in a shock statement that Monk and his staff had departed Hillsborough just a few days after getting out of the negative points and off the bottom of the table.

The year 2020 has been a difficult one in many respects for Monk and the football club, but it would be unfair to dismiss the good work that was done by the former Wednesday boss during his spell in South Yorkshire.

In his statement, Monk said, “Hard work has been at the core of our daily work and the standards of that work have definitely been demanded and raised since I first arrived at the club. I do believe there has been some foundations put in place that will enable the club to be successful in the future.”

And he’s not wrong, really.

Fans, for a while, had been calling for a change in culture, a freshening up of the squad – a clean slate if you will. And on that, Monk delivered.

The wage bill was cut down drastically, some old hands were moved on, and several players – senior and otherwise – have all spoke about the change of culture that has come about since he took the job just over a year ago.

Wednesday now have a younger squad that seems a lot more sustainable going forward, and the former Swansea City man was able to continue the more savvy transfer business that seemed to begin under Steve Bruce.

It’s also worth noting that it was the manager who instigated the change in social media policy at the club, something that has seen a major improvement in the connection between the fans and the players ever since the start of the current campaign.

On paper Wednesday had an impressive transfer window over the summer as they brought in a host of new players to help them in their fight against relegation, and the majority of them will still be relied upon heavily by whoever comes in to take over.

It has to be said that Monk is a good man who tried his level best for the club and really, truly wanted to be successful. His classy sign-off in his statement via the League Managers Association showed a human element that will be appreciated by even his biggest critics.

He ended it by saying, “Finally, in what has been a difficult year within the communities and businesses of Sheffield with the COVID-19 pandemic, I hope you and your families continue to stay safe and healthy and that everyone can all return to some normality very soon.”

A nice nod to the city as he leaves, now it’s up to the players he brought in to make sure that there’s a least a positive legacy left behind and that the culture shift is more than just a flash in the pan.

More Owls news

“One of the best”, “a top manager” – What players said about working with Monk

The return of Westwood? - Four players who could benefit from Garry Monk’s exit

431 days later – The highs and lows of Garry Monk’s tumultuous Wednesday career

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