Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swansea City captain though probably wouldn't have envisaged at that time that the Swans would end in the play off final where – on Monday – they will fight it out with Reading for a place in the Premier League.
Speaking to the Western Mail, Monk said “People were tipping us for a relegation battle at the start of the season and I knew we would be a million miles away from that
“It happened when Roberto left but I knew with the players we had here that we could do well.
“We managed to do well under Paulo, even though it was a different style.
“The same thing happened again in the summer, Paulo left and a new manager came in, people were doubting us again.
“We have been progressing for years with our style of football and hopefully it will get us to where we want to go.
“The gaffer’s come in and he has been a breath of fresh air
“He’s brought a whole new mentality and thinking to the game and it shows on the pitch. He trusts us. He treats us like adults, not like kids. Brendan knows we can go out there and do a job that he wants us to do. And he wants us to take responsibility.
“The work we have put in day in, day out, I hope that shows through at Wembley.
“From the first year I came here, it was different from any other club I had been at because everyone was in it together,” added Monk.
“We’ve grown every single year and when new guys come in people like me, Tatey and Britts will make sure they know what it’s all about.
“You need that mix and I think we’ve got a good mix here.
“With me, Tatey, Prats, we’ve got players who have been here for a number of years now.
“We know what the club is about and we try and teach that to the young lads coming through.
“They bring the enthusiasm and youth to team – which is vital.
“It’s going to be a great day at Wembley. We will go down and have a look at it before the big day to soak it all in. Then it’s down to business."
