Garry Monk has described his sacking by Sheffield Wednesday as 'a huge disappointment' in a statement released by the League Manager's Association.

The 41-year-old received his marching orders late on Monday evening after a poor start to the new season.

Of course things for the Owls have been from from straightforward this term.

The South Yorkshire side were handed a 12-point deduction going into this campaign for breaching spending rules which left them with plenty of ground to make up.

Since then the club have picked up three wins and three draws from their 11 fixtures this season giving them 12 points in total as we go into the international break.

Unfortunately for Monk that hasn't been enough to get them out of the drop zone at this stage.

While Dejphon Chansiri  has chosen to make a change, the former Leeds and Middlesbrough boss insists that he met the target set by the club for this stage of the season which was to be on a positive points total.

His statement in full, via the League Manager's Association, said: "It is a huge disappointment to be leaving Sheffield Wednesday. It has always been a real honour and privilege to be manager of this historic club.

"I know from living and working in the city of Sheffield how loyal the fans are to the club and I feel the passion they show for their team to be successful.

"Arriving at the club last September, I gladly accepted the huge challenge, which was something I was determined to get my teeth into. Making our way to 3rd position in the league at the turn of the year was good progress. Unfortunately we were unable to maintain that form and produce the same consistency to gain the results we wanted.

"Amongst many other factors, strengthening my staff this summer enabled us to meet the target set for this stage of this season; being out of the minus points and beginning the next phase of climbing the league. It is a big disappointment to be unable to see the project through.

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"Hard work has been at the core of our daily work and the standards of that work have definitely been demanded and raised since I first arrived at the club. I do believe there has been some foundations put in place that will enable the club to be successful in the future.

"I would like to thank everyone connected to the club; the chairman, staff, players and of course the fantastic fan base for their support and I give my very best wishes for the future.

"Finally, in what has been a difficult year within the communities and businesses of Sheffield with the COVID-19 pandemic, I hope you and your families continue to stay safe and healthy and that everyone can all return to some normality very soon."

The Verdict

Garry Monk can have no complaints at what happened.

While he admitted was given a huge challenge given the club's points deduction, the expectation at Sheffield Wednesday was much higher than what is being achieved at present.

Even if the club started on zero points the Owls would still only be just outside of the drop zone at this stage - something which isn't good enough.

Now it's time for a change.

It remains to be seen who will replace Monk, but the focus will surely be on ensuring that the club push themselves into a safe mid-table position before too long.