Swansea City have confirmed that they have parted ways with manager Garry Monk.
The Swans confirmed on their Twitter page and official website on Tuesday afternoon, revealing that they had ‘reluctantly parted company’ with the former club captain.
According to a statement on the club’s official website, the decision has been made in light of ‘recent uncertainty’ surrounding the side, with chairman Huw Jenkins confirming that the decision had been taken ‘in the best interests of Swansea…supporters.’
OFFICIAL: Swansea City part ways with manager Garry Monk after one win in last 11 games. pic.twitter.com/qbF8AznnLm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 9, 2015
Swansea City has today reluctantly parted company with manager Garry Monk – https://t.co/qtkGlthU9m pic.twitter.com/REhvbDKJkr
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) December 9, 2015
Jenkins’ statement went on to outline how the recent miserable run of form—a remarkable decline for Monk—had ultimately left the club’s chiefs with no choice.
“To find ourselves in our current situation from where we were in the first week of September, and considering the drop of performance levels and run of results over the last three months, it has brought us to this unfortunate decision today.
“Garry took on the job 22 months ago with the backing of everyone at the club. And when you take into account the excellent campaign we had last season when we broke all club records in the Premier League, nobody foresaw the position we would be in at this moment in time.
“Bearing that in mind and the current uncertainty around the club, we felt the situation needed clarity to move forward.
“It was not a decision we took lightly, especially given Garry’s history and standing within the club. And it goes without saying that we wish Garry all the very best for the future and thank him for his tremendous service, not only as a player over the last decade, but also as our manager. He will always have a warm welcome at this football club.
“We hope to appoint a replacement as soon as possible.’
Monk and Swansea started the season strongly, and great things were expected following a 2-2 draw with reigning champions Chelsea.
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However, they have undergone a stunning decline in recent months, and Monk’s reputation—he was recently considered one of the brightest young managers in the British game—has been wholly undermined.
Having rescued the club from relegation following the departure of Michael Laudrup in February 2014, Monk took Swansea to eighth last term—their highest-ever league position.
However, at the time of writing, Swans have won only one of their last 11 EPL matches, and find themselves in the unlikely position of being just one point above the relegation zone heading into the taxing winter break.
According to the Express, writing before the news of Monk’s departure broke, former manager and recently-deposed Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could be in line to return to his old stomping ground.
Rodgers took Swansea to the Premier League for the first time in 2012 and would appear to be a safe bet to drag the Welsh side away from the relegation zone.