MONK RELISHING UNITED CHALLENGE

FREEVIEW: GARRY MONK & EDDIE GRAY 2.6.16

New head coach raring to get started at Elland Road...

Garry Monk says he’s relishing the challenge of taking charge of United and aims to bring exciting football to Elland Road following his appointment as the club’s new head coach.

Monk, who guided Swansea City to their highest ever Premier League finish two seasons ago, was officially unveiled to the media at Elland Road after penning a one-year rolling contract on Thursday.

“It’s a fantastic day for myself, I feel really honoured to be here and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead,” he said.

“We all know how the club’s set up, with the passion of the fans and the history – those reasons made me really want to listen to the proposal and speak to the club.

“Speaking to the owner, with his knowledge and passion and the ambition he has for the club, it all ties in with what I’m wanting to do.

“I want to be challenged, I want to take something that’s a big project and really get my teeth into it. Throughout it all, that was the underlying factor and the reason why I’m sat here today.

“I’ve had other options and other contact but, for whatever reason, it was never the right move or the right option I’ve been looking for. But this is definitely it.

“I’m really happy to be here, this is the right option for me and the right challenge.

“It’s a big challenge, but since coming into management I’ve made no bones about it that I want to be challenged. I don’t want to be a run-of-the-mill manager that goes from job to job.

“I want big challenges and this is definitely one. It’s one that I’m looking forward to and one that is realistic as well from speaking to the owner and seeing how ambitious everybody connected to the club is.

“There’s an understanding that it won’t just happen overnight – a lot of hard work will need to be put into it – but I’m willing to do that and work alongside anyone at the club to ensure we reach our targets.”

Monk has already began working on putting together a pre-season programme and is setting his sights on creating a real sense of togetherness within the club as he looks to guide his new side through a memorable campaign.

“My focus is on coming here, working as hard as I can and as committed as I can,” he said.

“I’ll be putting a plan together to make sure that working with this squad, which I’m really looking forward to getting to work with, that we can really have an exciting season and something for the fans to get hold of.

“That’s what I want – to create some excitement. I want everybody connected to the club – the players, the fans, myself included – to be excited about what we’re doing and trying to push forward this season.”

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