Monk hands Swansea armband to Williams

Garry Monk has stepped down as Swansea captain in order to hand the armband over to team-mate Ashley Williams.

Monk has held the honour for seven years, playing a prominent role in the Welsh club’s meteoric rise from League Two to the top half of the Premier League.

But, with Williams having taken on skipper duties during Monk’s spells on the sidelines over the past two seasons, the 34-year-old believes the time is right to step down.

“It’s a personal decision from myself. The way I look at being a captain, you should consistently be on the pitch,” he told the club’s official website.

“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 was a regular first-team fixture during Swansea’s ascent to the top flight, but made just 10 starts under Michael Laudrup last term.