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Garry Monk resigns as Leeds United manager

Garry Monk during the Sky Bet Championship match against Newcastle United at St James' Park
Image: Garry Monk has left Leeds United

Garry Monk has resigned as Leeds manager just two days after Andrea Radrizzani completed his takeover of the club.

Radrizzani bought 50 per cent of Leeds' shares in January before purchasing Massimo Cellino's remaining shareholding on Tuesday.

The new chairman had made it clear his intention was to exercise the club's option to extend Monk's contract for another 12 months and immediately begin negotiations for a longer-term deal.

Monk, whose current contract at Elland Road was due to expire this summer, has been linked in the national press with the vacant managerial positions at Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

"It is with huge disappointment that my time at Leeds United has come to an end," Monk said in a statement.

"My intention was always to remain at Leeds and I saw myself at this fantastic club for many years to come. However, ultimately no agreement could be reached.

'Monk wanted longer commitment'
'Monk wanted longer commitment'

Monk left Leeds because he did not feel the club had any real intention to keep him long-term, says Sky sources

"After discussions with the new owner, we have unfortunately been unable to agree a suitable way for us to all move forward together.

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"Working at such a huge and historic club as Leeds United has been a true honour and myself and my staff put our all into what was an excellent season.

"It was a campaign in which we were set the objective of improving things across the board on the field, in the wake of what have been a difficult few years for the club.

"I believe that we managed not only to considerably improve our results, but I would also like to think we gave the loyal Leeds United fans and the city of Leeds a team and a club of which they can once again feel proud.

Garry Monk
Image: Monk led Leeds to a seventh-place finish in the Sky Bet Championship during the 2016-17 season

"Hopefully and I'm sure that the many foundations we have put in place here can be built upon and it's my desire to see this amazing club back in the Premier League, where it belongs.

"I would like to thank all of the players, who have been a real privilege to work with every day. They are on the right track to become very successful and boast the potential to be top players for this club, of that I have no doubt.

"I'd like to thank all the staff at the club. First and foremost, my first-team staff, I am very grateful for the hard work and commitment you put in to last season.

"I also wish to thank the staff at the Academy, Thorp Arch, Elland Road and the matchday personnel at the stadium, who have all made myself and my family feel most welcome.

"I'd like to thank both Massimo Cellino and Andrea Radrizzani. Particular thanks go to Massimo, who helped bring me and my staff to this tremendous football club. I would also like to wish Andrea good luck and success during his tenure as the Leeds United owner.

Leeds chairman Massimo Cellino
Image: Former Leeds owner Massimo Cellino sold his remaining shares to Andrea Radrizzani earlier this week

"Last but most definitely not least, I'd like to give my thanks and express my appreciation to all the supporters. You are amazingly loyal and passionate. The support you have offered me makes me feel immensely proud.

"I will always cherish those amazing atmospheres you created at Elland Road last season and the complete takeovers of opposition grounds, with thousands of you travelling to every game. Your unbelievable support is deserving of a place amongst the elite and belongs in the Premier League.

"Finally, I'd like to wish Leeds United and everyone associated with the club a very successful future."

A statement from Leeds read: "We are shocked and disappointed by Garry's decision but his resignation has been reluctantly accepted by chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

"Mr Radrizzani has met with Garry twice since taking over at Elland Road earlier this week and during the second meeting yesterday it became clear that Garry was considering life beyond Leeds United as at no time did Garry wish to discuss terms for a longer contract.

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"Following that meeting yesterday Garry's agent requested that the option was not exercised and his resignation was received this morning.

"Whilst we are deeply saddened by Garry's decision, there is no individual bigger than our club and we will now begin a process to identify and appoint a new head coach to take the club to the next level."

Monk's predecessor Steve Evans believes the 38-year-old faced challenges within the club and says his departure is a blow to Leeds fans.

"It has to be said, he has done nothing short of a magnificent job. Probably I'm one of the few coaches who can sit quietly and understand how difficult it would have been for Garry behind the scenes but he's gone about his business in a really professional fashion," Evans told Sky Sports News HQ.

"I think Garry first and foremost must have sat down and looked at all of the options, but what would have kept coming back to him is how difficult it's been over the last 12 months for him to go and do his job because he had Leeds United in absolutely stunning form and then for some reason it went wrong.

"I feel sorry for Leeds United supporters. Once more they are back to something new."

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