In punching distance of the Championship’s automatic promotion spots after his first few months, what followed was a manic tumble both on and off the field which saw a mammoth points deduction and off the field chaos drift over the club.
Though it came before the mass exodus of players and huge squad transitions felt in the last two summers, Monk kicked off a changing room turnover in his time, with 13 players walking through a door with his name above it.
Of those 13 players only three remain at Hillsborough and only one still plays at the level at which they were signed – the Championship.
Featuring free agents, players to have hopped around the world since and one stationed out in the Malaysian leagues, let’s take a look at how they’re getting on.
Of those 13 players only three remain at Hillsborough and only one still plays at the level at which they were signed – the Championship.
5. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
An exciting youngster signed from Manchester City's youth system ahead of the 2020/21 season, Dele-Bashiru's development has been hugely impressive to the point he is now one of the best prospects in the EFL. He has eight goal contributions in 19 outings this season and is in the midst of contract talks Wednesday hope will prevent him leaving for nothing in the summer. Photo: Mike Hewitt
Initially a loan signing from Wigan Athletic back in January 2020, Windass' Wednesday stint was made permanent that summer and having become the Owls' top scorer in 20/21, he remains a key player at S6. Injury killed the last campaign for Windass, but he has still battled his way to 23 goals and 12 assists in 85 Wednesday appearances. Photo: Mike Hewitt
Having joined Wednesday on a freebie in September 2020 after his release from Everton, Adedoyin is another who suffered injury struggles. He enjoyed three outings in the Papa Johns Trophy before he made the move to Accrington Stanley in January this year. He has since made 12 appearances and though he has scored only once, the 22-year-old is highly rated at the Wham Stadium. Photo: SWFC
Joined in the summer of 2020 following the end of his contract with Wigan, powerful defender Dunkley arrived injured and stayed injured for much of his time. Impressed when he was fit and fans were receptive to his full-throttle approach in 36 outings. Released in the summer, he has since impressed at Shrewsbury Town, where he has played every league game this season. Photo: Lewis Storey