Garry Monk made permanent Swansea boss

Caretaker Swansea City boss Garry Monk has been handed the reins of the south Wales side on a permanent basis, after signing a three-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.

The 35-year-old managerial novice has steered the Swans to Premier League safety, following the dismissal of Michael Laudrup in February.

Monk has received a ringing endorsement from Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins. “Garry represents all the strong values we hold so dearly as a football club and everyone is looking forward to working with him,” he said.

“We have all been impressed with his work-rate and commitment since taking over the reins in February, and how he adapted in very difficult circumstances to secure the points we needed to remain in the top-flight.”

It is unclear whether central defender Monk will continue his playing career, or now hang up his boots in favour of the dugout. He has made over 250 appearances for the Swans in all competitions since joining the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2004.

Jenkins has, however, taken a huge gamble on Monk by rewarding him with such a lengthy contract. He is certainly not a big name like predecessor Laudrup, so that may hinder Swansea this summer and next term as they try to attract players to the Liberty.

Although Monk has kept the Swans up (they are 6/1 shots to be relegated next season), his win percentage is inferior to all five permanent coaches he played for at the club. Names on that list include current Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and Everton manager Roberto Martinez.

There is no European football for Swansea next term, so star players like 25-goal top scorer Wilfried Bony may be snapped up by sides that can offer continental club competition. Can Monk be trusted with funds to replace such names?

Will flair players like Pablo Hernandez and the injury-hit Michu stay at Swansea and face another relegation dogfight? There is a real feeling that the club peaked by winning the Capital One Cup last term (they are 25/1 shots to win a trophy next season), and the only way from there is down, especially with a rookie in charge.

None of this should detract from what Monk has achieved while taking his first steps into coaching, but Swans supporters should be concerned about their top-flight status next season – lightning may not strike twice.