Monk tells Leeds to be ‘smart’ in order to go higher in 2018
GARRY MONK believes Leeds United will have every chance of achieving automatic promotion next season – if the club act “smart” over the summer.
Leeds are destined to finish seventh having once held an eight-point gap over the teams outside of the play-offs, but Monk has still guided the Whites to their highest-placed finish since 2011.
Monk only joined Leeds on a one-year rolling contract last summer but the 39-year-old is set for talks with co-owner Radrizzani in the aftermath of Sunday’s Championship finale at Wigan Athletic.
Radrizzani is working to secure 100 per cent control of the club from fellow co-owner Massimo Cellino and Monk believes United’s future is potentially very bright, if the club make the right moves over the next few months.
Monk revealed: “I’m still to speak to the club but I’ve had contact from Mr Radrizzani. He wants to sit after the game and discuss all the issues.
“There’s a lot of things to talk about and a lot of things that need putting in place. I know what my views are on what the squad needs.
“Until we sit and discuss that and the club’s views on how to do it, it (Radrizzani’s thinking) won’t be clear. I know from working with this squad every day. I’ve got a clear understanding.
“What we have done this season is make big strides – small steps at the start but, overall, big steps.
“Next season is one where, if done right and planned right, the club can have the best chance of fighting for the play-off places or even automatic (promotion).
“That objective can come forward if everything’s done right and put in place.
“Now it’s a case of everyone being smart and understanding the best opportunity to build going forward.
“Next season is a big season.” IN-FORM Steel City duo Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United are celebrating dual honours in April’s manager of the month awards.
Both Carlos Carvalhal and Chris Wilder were crowned winners of last month’s accolades for the Sky Bet Championship and League One respectively, while Blades striker Leon Clarke was also named as the League One player of the month.
Both the Owls and Blades enjoyed outstanding runs in April, with the former taking 19 points from a possible 21 in a fine seven-match unbeaten streak featuring six wins, the club’’s best run since the winter of 1993.
The award represents Carvalhal’s first monthly recognition since joining Wednesday, while the award is also a first for Wilder since heading to Bramall Lane.
Wilder was rewarded for presiding over six successive victories in April, which saw the all-conquering Blades clinch promotion and the League One title alongside a century points haul for the season.
The Blades chief beat off Yorkshire competition from Bradford counterpart Stuart McCall, while Clarke, who scored six goals in six matches last April, got the players’ award ahead of three rivals, including Bantams winger Mark Marshall.
Rotherham United have finally completed the appointment of former striker Richie Barker as their new assistant manager.
Barker, 41, enjoyed two spells as a player for the Millers, where he was a team-mate of current boss Paul Warne.
On the appointment of Barker, who has managed Crawley and Portsmouth and served as assistant at Charlton Athletic and MK Dons, Warne said: “Richie has had good experience in the Championship as a player and as a member of staff, but he also got a team out of League One which will be our goal next season.”