Monk’s never been a quitter

GARRY MONK has never once thought of walking out on crisis club Birmingham.

The 39-year-old became their fifth manager in 15 months six months ago.

But they have been beset by problems and Monk has been operating under a transfer embargo over financial fair play breaches.

Birmingham host Norwich today and Monk, above, said: “I’ve never thought of walking away, not for a second.

“Through my whole career I’ve had to face difficult challenges.

“I’m a young manager but look at my eyes for wrinkles and the grey hairs are coming through – but I love it. I relish it. In five years I’ve learnt a lot after all I’ve been through as a manager.” Monk cut his teeth at Swansea before getting the sack and had brief spells at Leeds and Middlesbrough. He added: “My drive will never leave me. I wouldn’t change a thing. It has been great. “I’ve always been driven. You have to relish these things or you wouldn’t last too long. “We haven’t lost any focus as a group. We haven’t allowed any of this stuff to distract us. I love being at this club.” BRENTFORD manager Dean Smith has told his players to score more goals if they want to make the play-offs. No Championship side had more on-target shots than the Bees last term, but only 62 went in. Brentford, at home today to Rotherham, finished ninth. Smith, left, said: “Our style of play is what created those chances. So the way to get us from ninth to sixth is to convert more of them.”