David Prutton believes deep down Leeds United fans do appreciate the respect and authority Garry Monk brought back to the manager’s role at Elland Road.
Leeds looked like getting a playoff spot during Monk’s only season in charge, but they lost form towards the end and finished just outside the top six during the 2016/17 Championship campaign.
The former Swansea defender and manager left the club the following summer due to disagreements with new owner Andrea Radrizzani and joined Middlesbrough.
Leeds fans gave him a tasty reception when Monk came with his Middlesbrough side to Elland Road last season and are expected to do the same when Birmingham visit today.
However, Prutton feels the 39-year-old deserves recognition for the work he carried out during his short stint at Leeds and the way he restored the authority of the manager’s chair at Elland Road.
The former Whites star feels deep down the Leeds fans are aware of the qualities he brought to the club and the work he did during his one-season stay.
Prutton wrote in his column for the Yorkshire Evening Post: “What I will say, is I thought Garry was a superb manager for Leeds United in the very short time that he was there.
“I thought he brought a real respect back to the position and a real calm authority about it which I think a lot of Leeds fans did appreciate.
“I think deep down the majority of Leeds fans know what he did for them in the short space of time that he was there.”
Monk has insisted that he has no hard feelings towards Leeds and Radrizzani ahead of his return to Elland Road.
