According to the Northern Echo, Garry Monk will be handed time to turn things around at Middlesbrough, despite finding himself under huge pressure just months into his tenure at the Riverside Stadium.  

Monk opted for a move to the North East over the course of the summer, having resigned from his role as Leeds United’s head-coach, with an aim of delivering promotion at the first time of asking at the Riverside.

However, despite the 38-year-old’s appointment and a number of exciting additions to Boro’s playing squad, Monk finds himself under pressure heading into December’s crucial period, with his side not hitting the straps that many expected.

Boro currently sit ninth in the Sky Bet Championship table, six points adrift of the play-off zone, having suffered three defeats in their last four league fixtures.

It is that run of form that has forced Monk to turn to social media to issue an apology to Boro’s supporters, which has sparked plenty of reaction from the Riverside faithful, calling for a change in the dugout.

However, it is understood that Monk will be given time by Middlesbrough’s owner, Steve Gibson, who handed the 38-year-old a three-year contract in the summer.

Boro return to Championship action on Saturday against Ipswich Town at the Riverside, before travelling to Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday for back-to-back away fixtures.

The Verdict

Gibson is known for giving his managers at the Riverside Stadium time, and despite early calls for Monk to go from Boro’s supporters, it would be a major surprise if the 38-year-old was not given the full season.

However, Monk’s side should be performing better, and after the money that was spent over the summer, Boro should at the very least be in the top-six.

The month leading up to the New Year is set to serve Monk one of the most testing periods of his managerial career. 

Middlesbrough fans… Let us know your thoughts!