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Thursday 12th November 2009

Cardiff City v Swansea City - Coca Cola Championship

Monk pledges himself to Swans

Swansea captain Garry Monk has committed his future to the in-form Coca-Cola Championship side by signing a new three-year contract.

The influential central defender, who has made 150 league appearances for the Swans since his move from Barnsley in June 2004, has put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at the Liberty Stadium until 2012.

And the 30-year-old believes Paulo Sousa's side have a bright future as they look to build on a 10-match unbeaten run.

``I'm delighted to seal the new deal,'' Monk told the club's official website, www.swanseacity.net. ``It's something I've wanted for a long time.

``I absolutely love it at Swansea and it has never crossed my mind to play anywhere else. My relationship with the chairman, board, manager, club staff and the fans is fantastic and I was more than happy to make a long-term commitment to the club.''

Leeds boss Simon Grayson plans to hold talks with Leicester in the hope of extending Max Gradel's loan spell at Elland Road.

The 22-year-old's month-long deal officially expires at the weekend, but with the league game against Swindon postponed due to international commitments, yesterday's night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory over Grimsby will be the last appearance of his stay.

``We've had conversations with (Leicester manager) Nigel Pearson and we'll have another one and see if we can extend it,'' Grayson told Leeds' official website, www.leedsunited.com.

``We don't need to press ahead as we haven't got a game at the weekend, and it will be Leicester's decision."

Charlton striker Izale McLeod has been banned for three matches after lashing out at an opponent in the FA Cup defeat to Northwich Victoria on Sunday.

McLeod clashed with Michael Connor soon after the start of the second half but the referee and his assistants failed to spot the incident.

However, a Football Association investigation has retrospectively given the 25-year-old a red card.

He will therefore miss the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie at Southampton tonight, as well as the matches against former club MK Dons and Yeovil.

New Aldershot boss Kevin Dillon has named Gary Owers as his assistant.

Dillon took charge at the League Two club on Monday after leaving his role as Reading number two, following Gary Waddock`s departure from the Recreation Ground last month.

Owers, 41, made more than 600 senior appearances, spending the bulk of his career at Sunderland where he was part of the 1992 FA Cup side that lost to Liverpool in the final.

Dillon said: ``I've known Gary for over 20 years from the days where he was at Sunderland and I was at Newcastle, we have a lot in common."

Theo Lewis is refusing to let talk of Premier League interest distract him from furthering his football education at Cheltenham.

The highly-rated 18-year-old has reportedly attracted the attentions of both Birmingham and Aston Villa who are believed to be keeping close tabs on his progress.

Lewis, a natural forward who has been employed in an attacking midfield role, has started all three games for the Robins since being handed his debut against Port Vale, scoring in Saturday's FA Cup defeat at Torquay.

But when asked about interest from the top-flight, the tennager told Press Association Sport: ``When I see it, I look at it but I don't really think about it too much because it can put you off in some ways. Obviously you see it and take it on board but then I carry on playing and doing my job for Cheltenham.''


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