Monk: Ash is new leader

15th July

Garry Monk has revealed he has handed over the captain's armband to Ashley Williams after deciding the time is right for him to step down as skipper at Swansea City.
The 34-year-old talked about his decision during the club's ten-day tour of Holland, where Williams was seen wearing the armband despite Monk's presence on the pitch.
It has ended a seven-year spell as team captain for Monk, which has seen him lead the club to two promotions and Capital One Cup glory.
Monk, who lifted the Capital One Cup along with Williams at Wembley in February, will remain as club captain, though, as the Swans gear up for the new campaign.
He said: "It's a personal decision from myself. The way I look at being a captain, you should consistently be on the pitch.
"Ash has been consistent on the pitch over a number of years. I've said a few times I've not played as much as I would have liked, but I've still contributed in a number of games.
"But, overall, I feel the team captain should be someone who is on there as a figure of continuity. Ash is that.
"He has worn the armband when I've not played, so I felt it was the right thing to do to let him lead the team out even when I was playing.
"Obviously, if the manager says anything different then we would listen to him.
"But I will remain as club captain. To have been captain of this team and club is one of my proudest achievements.
"My duties as club captain on the pitch, in the changing rooms and in the community will remain. Even when I haven't got the armband on when I'm playing, I'll still be a leader on the pitch."
Monk has been at the Swans since the start of the 2004-05 campaign after he joined on a free transfer following his release by Southampton.
He was part of the League Two promotion side in his first season with the Swans before he enjoyed Johnstone Paint Trophy success a year later.
Was named captain by then Swans boss Kenny Jackett in 2006, but a serious knee injury in the opening game ended his campaign.
Returned to help lead the club to the League One title, and then made a hugely important block in the Championship Play-Off Final win over Reading.
He lifted the Capital One Cup trophy in February thanks to the 5-0 win over Bradford City, which was the club's first major piece of silverware.
Monk, who signed a new deal in February that will see him at the Liberty until the summer of 2015, remains just one of three current Swans - along with Leon Britton and Alan Tate - to have played in all four divisions with the club.