Planet Swans ArchivesMonk will come face to face with his former side on January 31 at St Mary's and he says that will be one trip that he really wants to make. Southampton visit the Liberty first on October 25 but it is the return to the club where he spent time as player that Monk wants.
"I'm looking forward to the lot, almost everyone's a massive game," he said.
"I've still got friends around Southampton and everyone of them is looking forward to that day. I've had a few texts already and I'm sure I'll get more. It's one of the biggest fixtures for me.
"It shows that the hard work we put in last year was worthwhile and how important it was that we got promotion to play these teams this year.
"Nearly every single game is going to be a fresh challenge and our ground is going to be packed.
"Instead of 200 or 300 away fans there are going to be 2,000 or 3,000.
"Our fans will be happy, but it's the away games I'm looking for and the opportunity to play at big grounds. That gives everyone a lift."
Swans fans will think back in particular to the Leeds game last season and the incredible atmosphere that was produced at that game and that is something that could be repeated week in week out next season if Monk's predictions of the away support come true at the Liberty.
That support will be tested in the opening two fixtures at the ground – Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday both visit during August and are both predicted to bring down sizeable followings for the games.
And of course there is the local derby against Cardiff City to look forward to in November "I'm excited about them coming down here, but I'm really looking forward to going up there." Monk added
"I've played in the Sheffield derby and Southampton v Portsmouth and I've lived here for four years so I know what it means to the fans.
"There's a big rivalry. We want to win bragging rights and I'm sure the Cardiff players are exactly the same."
