Monk joined Swansea on a free transfer from Barnsley in 2004

Swansea City captain Garry Monk says he was left impressed after meeting new manager Paulo Sousa for the first time.

Sousa, 38, was unveiled on Tuesday as the replacement for Roberto Martinez who has taken charge of Premier League side Wigan Athletic.

Most of Swansea's players reported back for the start of pre-season training on Thursday.

"I was very impressed with what he had to say and I can't wait to get started," said Monk.

"As a player he has achieved virtually everything in the game and I'm sure, like me, the boys will be looking forward to sharing his vast knowledge.

"He came across as very professional and knows exactly what he wants to do. You can only learn from people like that.

"I don't think he wants to change a great deal because he has the same philosophy on how the game should be played.

"He is certainly going to tweak things here and there and I'm sure over the next few weeks we will see his own methods coming through to improve us all as players."

The Swans players are being screened and receiving fitness tests on Thursday and Friday before pre-season training gets into full swing next week.

606: DEBATE Monk's been a key man and he'll be important again in setting the right tone with the manager and helping to keep that healthy but tough winning spirit through the camp jackofdreambeach

Ashley Williams and Jason Scotland will not join up with the squad until next week though after being on international duty.

But the future of 30-year-old Scotland is in doubt with Burnley and Wigan both interested.

Dutch midfielder Ferrie Bodde's future is also in question as Bolton are keen on signing him.

The 27-year-old is at home in Holland continuing the last phase of his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

And with a new manager in place, Monk knows the players will have to impress Sousa or they could find themselves out of the Liberty Stadium door.

"We are professionals and we know we've got to prove ourselves [to the manager] all over again," Monk told the Swansea website.

"That's what all the boys will be thinking, whether they've been regulars in the side in the past or not.

"Swansea City has been a big part of my life for the last five years - and I'll be fighting to keep it that way for some time to come.''

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