It would have come as a shock to many Leeds supporters when Garry Monk decided to leave his managerial post at Elland Road.
The club confirmed on their official website on Thursday afternoon that they had “reluctantly” accepted the 38-year-old’s resignation.
It signals an end to a short tenure that was promising so much yet ended in a manner in which Leeds fans have been used to for the past decade.
After Monk’s departure, it is now inevitable that Chris Wood, Kyle Bartley and Pablo Hernandez will follow their former manager out of the exit door.
All three have been key figures for the club this season and their departure could inflict further pain on the Elland Road faithful.
Wood – The striker finished off the Championship campaign as the top scorer in the division and he found the best form of his career under the stewardship of Monk. Top-flight clubs will no doubt be looking at the New Zealand International, who struck 30 goals in all competitions this season, and he may now be tempted to make a move now Monk is no longer around.
Bartley – His loan deal at Elland Road is due to expire at the end of next month and now Monk has left, he too could be tempted to stay with his parent club Swansea, who survived relegation from the Premier League this term. The experienced centre-back formed a solid partnership with fan favourite Pontus Jansson this season, with the duo playing a huge part in the club’s seventh place finish.
Hernandez – The playmaker played under Monk at Swansea and then followed him to Leeds, therefore, it won’t be a surprise to see the Spaniard do the same if Monk lands a new job before the start of next season. He has one-year left on his current deal and was a regular member under Monk this term, providing the creativity in behind Wood.