Birmingham City shook the EFL yesterday after announcing that manager Garry Monk had been sacked - just days after speculation saying that he would resign.

Despite previously reported tensions between himself and the board, Monk came out and said he had no intention of walking out of the club. According to the BBC, there was 'understood' to be difficulties relating to the swap deal between Jota and Gary Gardner.

However, less than a week later, Birmingham City released a statement confirming his dismissal from the club. Within the statement, the club say that they believe the decision "to be in the long term interests of the club".

The board of directors have said they are hopeful they can adopt a "fresh and modern" football philosophy, and stated their intentions to challenge for promotion.

Monk was respected at Birmingham City and fans appreciated the work he did under the circumstances. It feels like another punch in the gut for their loyal fans.

In this FLW Six Point Opinion, we breakdown the news, and see what's next for Monk and Birmingham City.

So, were they right to sack Monk?

"Sack is a strong word, isn't it?

"We all know the meaning surrounding the terminology used for managerial dismissals is nuanced, so it's perhaps not best to look too much into it.

"It's no coincidence that Monk has been removed less than one week after he was rumoured to be resigning - exactly how they came to this agreement is not too clear - but dithering on it for too long is not useful.

"There was clearly a breakdown somewhere along the line with the relationship between himself and the board, and perhaps a different vision for the future was the catalyst for the parting.

"Home form was allegedly one of the reasons to do with his sacking, which while it may need to improve, that is definitely not a reasonable justification for his dismissal.

Did he do a good job at Birmingham?

"Within his means, Monk did a good job.

"The Championship is a tough league, and he had a bit of a clean-up job to do after Redknapp and Cotterill had left and he dealt with it well.

"It wasn't the prettiest of football at times, but it worked. Birmingham fans had a strong connection with Monk and trusted him; something very telling about his performance at Birmingham.

"He has shown his ability to improve players. In his last year he has worked very well with Che Adams and taken him to the next level and also helped rejuvenate Jutkiewicz's career, who has been class.

What did Birmingham fans think about it?

"Let's just say they weren't very happy.

"Fans flocked to Twitter to respond to the announcement tweet, and there was an overwhelming response of negativity.

"One particular fan responded strongly to the claims that it was within the "long term interests" of the club, by saying it was within their long term interests that the owners leave.

"Others called it a "farce" and a "joke".

What next for Monk?

"Due to the circumstances of the dismissal, it would be hard to argue that his stock has fallen since his sacking.

"In fact, since he took over at Birmingham I think he proved a lot of doubters wrong after his failure at Middlesbrough.

"At this rate, Garry Monk is well on his way to becoming a Championship journeyman.

"I think his stock sits above Birmingham's and he will be a realistic prospect for many Championship teams, and even those towards the top end of the division.

Who will replace him?

"At the moment, assistant manager Pep Clotet has taken over the reins, and he seems the most likely candidate at this stage to get the job full-time.

"Clotet is an experienced coach and has been with Garry Monk for much of his managerial career.

"He had an unsuccessful tenure at Oxford United, where he was sacked after 36 games.

"It's odd how Birmingham sacked Monk due to 'adopt' a new philosophy, but then look to his long-time number 2 to carry it out.

Where can Birmingham expect to finish next year?

"With everything that has gone on, I think it would be ludicrous for the board to expect them to be getting into the top 6.

"Anywhere in mid-table would be a good for season for them, but it would not shock me to see them in a relegation battle.

"Recruitment is obviously key. They will be raking in a large amount from the Adams and Jota deals and it's now about using that money efficiently and effectively. Once their summer is out of the way, it might be clearer about where they can think about going in the league, but right now it looks pretty bleak."