Swansea City sack Garry Monk and hope to appoint new manager 'as soon as possible'

Swansea City have sacked manager Garry Monk following the weekend's 3-0 home defeat to Leicester City. Club chairman Huw Jenkins has confirmed the club want to appoint a replacement "as soon as possible", amid reports linking both Brendan Rodgers and David Moyes with the job.

Monk replaced Michael Laudrup in February 2014, steering the club clear of relegation that campaign before guiding them to their highest-ever finish, eighth, last season. The Welsh outfit kicked off this season in impressive form, securing a draw at Chelsea and beating Manchester United in their first four games. They have struggled to maintain that level ever since though, and following a run of just one win in 11 league games have now opted to part ways with their manager.

"Swansea City has today reluctantly parted company with manager Garry Monk," the club confirmed in a statement on their official website. "With the recent uncertainty surrounding the club, the decision has been made in the best interests of Swansea City Football Club and its supporters."

Jenkins described the situation as "unfortunate", with the Swans having earned just 14 points so far this season.

"The decision has been made very reluctantly and with a heavy heart," he said. "To find ourselves in our current situation from where we were in the first week of September, and considering the drop of performance levels and run of results over the last three months, it has brought us to this unfortunate decision today.

"Garry took on the job 22 months ago with the backing of everyone at the club. And when you take into account the excellent campaign we had last season when we broke all club records in the Premier League, nobody foresaw the position we would be in at this moment in time.

"Bearing that in mind and the current uncertainty around the club, we felt the situation needed clarity to move forward.

"It was not a decision we took lightly, especially given Garry's history and standing within the club. And it goes without saying that we wish Garry all the very best for the future and thank him for his tremendous service, not only as a player over the last decade, but also as our manager. He will always have a warm welcome at this football club."

Former Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers and David Moyes have both been linked with the club in recent days. Jenkins added: "We hope to appoint a replacement as soon as possible.''