Monk plays down role in highly anticipated clash against former side Leeds

By Jonny Leighfield

Garry Monk believes the attention should be on the two teams and not on him as the former Leeds boss goes back to Elland Road for the first time since his acrimonious departure.

The 38-year-old upset a number of Leeds supporters in the summer when he resigned two days after a takeover of the club had been completed and despite being offered a new contract.

Monk’s current club, Middlesbrough travel to Leeds on Sunday on the back of a three game winning streak and Boro’s head coach insisted he is fully focused on making sure that run continues and not getting one over his old side.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the team,” said Monk.

“It’s about doing the best for Middlesbrough Football Club. It’s about three points and doing the best we can to get the result in the next game, a difficult game.”

One of Monk’s former players at Leeds, Kalvin Phillips says he thought Monk’s year in charge was a good one: “We put ourselves on the map as a really good team in the Championship.”

Monk said he was pleased with what he was able to achieve in his time at Leeds and says he will always remember the fans that stuck by him throughout his tenure.

“My memories of Elland Road are fantastic, I have some great memories there and it’s a great atmospheric stadium,” he said.

“To have helped build some togetherness, unity and enjoyed my time at a club where I had never previously had any connection with, I enjoyed. My memories of the fans there were fantastic.

“Because some people say stuff about you, it doesn’t deter from what the proper fans who gave great support to me and my staff, the players and the memories I will cherish forever,” he said.