Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has claimed on Twitter that he was “keen” to offer Garry Monk a three-year deal before he resigned – and fans have hit out at the Italian for his comments.
The club confirmed on their official website on Thursday afternoon that Monk had left his managerial post at Elland Road, which “shocked” and “disappointed” the Championship side.
Moments after his resignation was announced, Radrizzani claimed that he had “no regrets” at the Englishman leaving the club because “we did our best” to keep him.
Shocking news from GM. We were keen to do 3 years deal.We never receive any request from him and his agent. No regrets, we did our best #mot
— Andrea Radrizzani (@andrearadri) May 25, 2017
However, supporters were not conceived by their owner’s comments, with one fan stating “I don’t believe you” as they also accused him of “lying”.
Monk’s current deal at Elland Road was due to expire at the end of June after former owner Massimo Cellino had offered him a one-year rolling contract last summer.
By January, when Radrizzani had brought a 50 per cent stake in the club, fans believe that was the time to extend Monk’s contract.
At that time, Leeds were flying high in the Championship and it was looking likely that they were going to secure a promotion place.
Despite missing out on a top-six spot by five points, many fans think that the delay of not extending Monk’s contract has allowed other clubs to possibly make a move for him.
As a result, one supporter thinks Radrizzani, who completed his takeover of the club on Tuesday, should apologise to the fans for “messing up”.
Overall, the Leeds faithful were clearly not pleased that the “best manager” they have had in “years” has now left because he was not tied up to a longer deal quick enough.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Sorry, I'm not convinced you tried hard enough to keep @GarryMonk We need stability and continuity. We had it, now we have to start again.
— Crash Records (@Crash_Records) May 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/Charlie_B_LUFC/status/867761294073528321
That's not good at all.
— Charlie Phillips (@charliechar) May 25, 2017
No regrets? I'd say there is, we just lost the best manager we've had in years
— Pete (@peterjs0007) May 25, 2017
Should've done it months ago that's the point? U kept him waiting, u talked down his achievements yesterday. Not a wonder he left
— Chris (@Rio17gfc) May 25, 2017
I don't believe it – unless he got prem offer
— Ron (@ronaallleeds) May 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/Charlie_B_LUFC/status/867734451282948096
should've had the deal done in January..
— Ella (@ellawaterfield) May 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/spirejohn1302/status/867731374140268544
should have sorted it before the end of the season! Before other clubs we circling
— James Jaffray (@jaffacakes1984) May 25, 2017
Good start Andrea. #sarcasm
— Ian Curwen (@iancurwen) May 25, 2017