Monk Hails Team Spirit

Monk Hails Swans Team Spirit

Garry Monk uses his programme interview for the Hartlepool game to hail the team spirit that they now have at the Liberty Stadium as he prepares to lead his table topping team at the weekend.

Monk says he believes that the team spirit now in place at Swansea City is the best he has ever seen during his career and that the lads go out of their way to welcome any new face to the Liberty - whether they have travelled 35 miles down the M4 or considerably further - reference to the European arrivals of the summer.

Monk said "I'm a big believer that team spirit is everything, and I've got no qualms in saying that the team spirit at Swansea is the best I've ever known at any club I've been at.

"All the new players comment that they can't believe the team spirit at the club and as captain I feel it's my responsibility to make sure it is right.

"From the first time they walk through the door, all the players make a conscious effort to give them a warm welcome - even Warren Feeney!

"I firmly believe it's having the desired affect because despite the fact that we've got so many different characters and nationalities at the club, none of them clash.

"Our team spirit would never let us down. We are all in this together."

Monk will feature in a four page spread in this week's programme which is available from all parts of the ground priced at the excellent value amount of £3. He also explains how his long spell out of the game - he missed most of last season through injury - allowed him to study the recovery process even though not all players believe in it!

"I do a lot of recovery work. It's a conscious thing and something the gaffer and the physio staff push hard. I've learnt that fluid intake is very important and I use a lot of supplements and protein shakes.''

Monk also swears by the dreaded ice bath and makes a daily trip to the Liberty Stadium to suffer the process that speeds up muscle recovery.

"It's not pleasant, but I feel I benefit from it,'' explains Monk. "The likes of Jason Scotland, Kevin Austin and Dennis Lawrence won't go near an ice bath, but then Marcos Painter and Darren Pratley are big fans like me.

"In fact the huge amount of ice Marcos puts in the bath is unbelievable; ridiculous in fact. But you've got to laugh; once he's in there he doesn't understand why he can't feel his legs!''

What are your thoughts? Share your views on the Message Board

150,000 visitors creating 3 million impressions a month can't be wrong.........

What to read next:

Brave Swans in memorable game at Carrow Road
It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional.

Norwich City 2 - 2 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.

TEAM NEWS : Norwich City v Swansea City
The Swans are on the Norfolk Broads, punting and boating their way to the end of the season. Hopefully the city of Norwich is obliging.

Swansea City : Jack Army travel over 1,000 miles for two games in succession
Swansea City have set out on their second long distance away trip in two weekends, this time to Norwich for todays clash between the Swans and Canaries (3pm) Over the last ten meetings between the clubs Swansea City have won five times, Norwich the same.

Cardiff City fan sends tragedy tweet directed at dead Swansea City fan Terry Coles
As a result of the news reported by Sky on Wednesday that five military horses had escaped and ran through central London, a Cardiff City follower thought it wise to relate the incident to the death of Swansea fan Terry Coles, 42.

Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option
Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.

Gwyn’s Eye View : Norwich City v Swansea City ‘The officials’
Thanks to Gwyn we have a thorough assessment of this weeks officials who will take charge at Carrow Road this Saturday at 3pm. Norwich City will be keen to get the points to guarantee their play off slot, and Saturday is their first go.

Sam Parker hasn’t turned down a new deal, he is willing to negotiate
He was a revelation for the Swans for the few games he played this season, and now it emerges Sam Parker has ‘turned down’ a new Swansea City contract. News is thin on the ground, and some of it just incorrect as he looks to involve his representatives in some further negotiations. Plus his current contract runs for two more years.

Swansea City : The vision is clearer, so Jamal Lowe ?
There were some worrying moments for the Swans yesterday, on three occasions mistakes from playing out from the back nearly saw the home side score. And is there now a case for Jamal Lowe to be offered a contract at Swansea ?

Leighton James : His own football revolution
With the passing of Leighton James yesterday we have a Saturday night treat for football fans, Swans fans and Wales followers the world over. Who can recall the magic boots imposing themselves on clubs throughout Wales and England ?