Leeds United seem to have something special occuring under Garry Monk after years of turmoil
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WHISPER it but there are signs of something special occurring in West Yorkshire.
A few weeks ago, I praised David Wagner and all at Huddersfield for their superb start to the season.
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Twenty miles up the road there are now flickers of a revival happening at one of the biggest clubs in the country.
Leeds have endured nearly three years of turmoil on and off the pitch.
Disharmony, a lack of direction and TEN managers hired and fired in quick succession — but now they finally look to have found the right man. Garry Monk’s methods have begun to lift the club back towards the Premier League, where a club of their magnitude belongs.
A lot of people, including me, questioned Monk’s judgment in taking the reins at Elland Road.
After all, if two games on the bounce are lost, the chances of eccentric owner Massimo Cellino bursting into the manager’s office, P45 in hand, are extremely high.
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And after a disappointing start to the season, most were wondering how long it was going to take before Cellino lost patience, reverted to type and sacked another manager before looking for someone else to perform a miracle.
Leeds fans must be thanking their lucky stars it didn’t happen.
It’s clear the players have adapted to Monk’s methods, as well as the input of his highly rated assistant, Pep Clotet.
The proof is in the form which has seen Leeds lose just twice in 10 league games, lifting them to sixth.
It’s fantastic that a young English manager appears to have control at a massive club for the long term.
I’ve always been impressed with Monk since he first took charge of Swansea and it was refreshing to see a board have enough faith in him to give him a chance in the Premier League.
He was unfortunate to lose his job there and, if you look at the Swans’ performances and results since he left, it’s difficult to argue it was the correct decision. Monk showed great faith and confidence in his own ability to go to Leeds and turn around their fortunes.
It’s something all successful managers have and, hopefully, Cellino is learning that hiring and firing gets you nowhere, fast.
Tomorrow at a packed Elland Road there promises to be a great game and atmosphere against a confident, strong Newcastle side.
Leeds vs Newcastle is a game which graced the Premier League not so long ago — and if Cellino continues to show patience, it could be happening again this time next year.