Monk is clearly hurt by the reaction of some of the Leeds fans but is thriving at Middlesbrough, where his naturally upbeat nature has given the club a lift

Garry Monk returns to Elland Road this weekend with his head held high. Now slowly reviving Middlesbrough, Monk left Leeds United last summer in acrimonious circumstances with some supporters accusing him of treachery, calling him “Judas” and posting snake emojis.

A few Leeds fans are considering taking inflatable snakes into the ground tomorrow. “I’ve just got to hope my kids aren’t doing it,” Monk laughs. His children won’t be at the game, though. “No. They can’t get tickets.” For all the humour and stoicism, Monk clearly feels hurt by the reaction because he loved his time at Elland Road.

“I’ve still got friends there and my relationship with the Leeds fans was amazing,” he says. “I knew Leeds were a big club but only when