Planet Swans ArchivesGarry Monk was at the front of the queue when it came to handing out plaudits for Roberto Martinez who picked up his first manager of the month award yesterday for his sides 100% record in October.
As Martinez joked at the launch of the 1912 Foundation yesterday evening about the curse attached to the award, Monk was laying the praise on the manager who only arrived at the Liberty Stadium in February following the departure of Kenny Jackett.
And with the Swans aiming to go back to the top of the league this evening against Gillingham it could cap a great week for Roberto as his side look to extend their winning streak to six games – five of them in the league.
Speaking in today’s Western Mail, Monk said “Roberto has been a breath of fresh air since coming in and the lads have really taken to him and his methods
“He was the ultimate pro as a player and he’s the same as a manager. He knows football inside-out and has the advantage of not just knowing the British market, but the foreign one as well.
“When friends from other clubs ring me up and ask about him, I tell them he’s going to be a top, top manager.
“We certainly don’t want him going anywhere, but he has the ability, knowledge to go all the way to the top. I’m sure this won’t be the last bit of silverware he wins.
“If you look at what he’s done so far and the fact he’s still young for a manager, I think he’s got a pretty good future in management.
“All the lads are enjoying playing for him and you can see that with the way we have responded to him with the results we’re getting on the pitch.
You are always worried when a new manager comes in, but he told me not to rush back and take my time.
“It was a great confidence boost, and he didn’t need to say that to me as I was in a bit of limbo.
“He’s just brought a relaxed atmosphere and some enthusiasm into training that may have been lacking a bit.
“You look forward to every day, and he simply wants to get the best out of you.”
