Monk – This Will Be The Toughest

Monk, in his first full season of management, led the Swans to a record breaking eight placed finish in the Premier League last time around amassing a hugely impressive 56 points along the way.

That was a performance that exceeded all expectations set back in August especially when you consider that many media pundits had us, and our rookie manager, as favourites for relegation.

A performance like that though increases expectations and we have already seen this summer that people from the club are trying to ensure that everyone has realistic expectations although we know that we have ambitions to grow.

But growing from 8th place would be no mean feat and would mean breaking into a Top 7 that last season didn’t include the likes of Everton or Newcastle who will both have ambitions of getting themselves back up there in contention for the European spots.

Couple that in with the riches of the biggest ever TV deal that kicks in the season after next and you know why Monk is already claiming this coming season to be the toughest yet

“I sat with Huw (Jenkins) towards the end of last season and we talked about what an important year it is coming up, not just for Swansea but for every club in the Premier League,” Monk said.

“I do believe this will be the hardest season the Premier League has ever seen because of the TV money that comes in next year.

“Every club will be wanting to get a piece of that action.

“And I think you will see it with the intensity of every single game and the pressure of every game.

“It will be upped to a higher level than ever before I believe.

“It’s just about us preparing for that properly now.”