New Leeds boss Garry Monk not concerned by Massimo Cellino's sacking record
Thursday 2 June 2016 18:39, UK
Garry Monk has brushed off concerns about owner Massimo Cellino's record of sacking Leeds United managers.
Former Swansea boss Monk signed a one-year rolling contract to take over at Elland Road on Thursday and insists the club's momentous history remains its biggest attraction.
Controversial Italian owner Cellino has been through seven different managers since buying Leeds in 2014, with Monk the eighth after Steve Evans' seven-month spell was ended earlier this week.
Speaking in his first press conference since taking over, Monk, who was sacked by the Swans last December, said: "(The short shelf-life for Leeds managers) is not my focus.
"My focus is on the football, on the players here, and what we need to do; putting a plan in place to work on from the first day of pre-season.
"Whatever happens, it's results that decide any manager's fate. No one will expect more from me than myself. You can't win every week but you have to put in consistent, exiting performances and a way of working, and get everyone on board. That's my job.
"This is an amazing club, the fans, and the history. We all know where it stands in British football. That's what got me listening to what they've got to say.
"It's a real honour and I want to say thanks to everyone at the club who worked hard to bring me here, especially the owner. After speaking to him, I really felt the passion he has for the club and his knowledge of football, which is extensive.
"We all want to move forward and get into the Premier League. I'm an ambitious person and this is an ambitious club. After speaking to the owner about the football and the way he wants to take the club forward, it matched my ambition."
Cellino has repeatedly said he wants to take Leeds into the Premier League and Monk confirmed that was his and the club's ambition next season, despite finishing 13th last term.
He said: "The plan is to grow the players, and get some excitement for the season ahead. The club has such a loyal support and we need to use that to our advantage.
"We've discussed things that need to be done and I'm sure that will be done again in the coming months. All teams will say they want to get promoted to the Premier League. It's up to us to work together with this clear plan and that everyone is on the same page."
