"They know the problems" - Sheffield Wednesday board backing plans for summer changes, says Garry Monk

Senior figures at Sheffield Wednesday are accepting of the need for sweeping changes in the club in the coming months according to Owls boss Garry Monk.
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Following Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing at Brentford, the 41-year-old blasted the changing room culture at Hillsborough, claiming it is ‘absolutely impossible’ to be successful with such an atmosphere in place.

He accused the players of hiding and shirking the responsibilities of a professional footballer, admitting he had never been so embarrassed by a performance in his 25 years in football.

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Monk said he feels club hierarchy are on-board with his assessment but he also reiterated the need for results to improve in order for him to be given the opportunity to drive that change.

Writing off any notion that he would consider resigning after a run of one league win in 10 matches, he said: “I think there is a realisation from the whole club, particularly this period now that has highlighted those things [attitude issues].

“They [senior figures] are fully aware of it but the main part for me is results. That's where my job lies and the industry I live in and that has not been good enough.

“I hope to continue to fight and I think that is what the club need.

“The club are fully aware of the bigger issues.”

Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri.Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri.
Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri.
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It follows his post-match talk with the press after defeat at Wigan Athletic, in which he also called the players out for ‘being too comfortable for too long’. Eight senior players, including top scorer Steven Fletcher and Morgan Fox, are out of contract in the summer.

Asked whether he felt the player were still behind him, Monk said: “Number one, they are not even playing for themselves.

“Regardless of playing for a manager or a football club, your number one fight is to fight for yourselves and show that pride and strength of character.

“One thing you can never, ever, ever do on a football pitch is hide. We had players hiding on a football pitch.

“You need to fight for yourself before anyone else and they are not even doing that.”