Hartlepool manager Craig Harrison has brandished Leeds as “crazy” for not trying harder to keep Garry Monk at Elland Road.
The ex-Swansea boss quit Leeds last week after failing to reach the Championship play-off spots and is tipped to return to management at Harrison’s old club Middlesbrough following their relegation.
The former TNS manager would love to see Monk replace Aitor Karanka at the Riverside for next season as his old club prepare for life back in the second tier.
“Garry is fantastic,” said the 39-year-old, as quoted by the Gazette. “He’s someone I look up to.
“I’ve spent quite a bit of time with him over the last two or three years. I’ve done my licences with him and I’ve spoken to him numerous times. Whenever TNS have done well he’s dropped me a text. Similarly, I’ve done the same for him.
“I hope he does get the Boro job, speaking as an ex-Middlesbrough player.
“I think Garry would be excellent for any club, Leeds United are crazy (for allowing him to leave). They should have had him tied up, he’s a top, top coach and a manager.”
Leeds spent a lot of the campaign in the top six spots of the Championship but an end of season slump saw them leapfrogged by Fulham into the play-offs, which was won by Huddersfield on Monday.
The Whites have undergone a big change in hierarchy over the last week which also saw Andrea Radrizzani take full control of the club.
Harrison only made a handful of appearances in his playing days for Middlesbrough and his career was cut short after suffering a horrific leg break while playing for Crystal Palace in 2003.
The Gateshead-born manager has enjoyed successful spells in management in Wales with Airbus and TNS and was appointed as Dave Jones’ successor at Hartlepool last week following their relegation from the EFL.