Swansea boss Garry Monk has been brilliant - Ashley Williams

Garry Monk was signed by former Swansea City manager Kenny Jackett in 2004

Swansea City captain Ashley Williams has hailed the impact of manager Garry Monk since he took charge 12 months ago.

Former captain Monk, 35, stepped up from the playing squad to take over after Michael Laudrup was sacked in February 2014.

He ensured Premier League survival last season and the side are currently ninth in the table.

"He's done brilliantly for what he did when he first came in," Williams said.

"He steadied it straight away and he's put his stamp on it this year."

Swansea were only two points off the relegation places when Monk was placed in charge of the side for the "foreseeable future" on 4 February, 2014.

Monk's first game in charge as head coach saw the Swans beat Welsh rivals Cardiff City 3-0 and he guided the club to Premier League safety with two games to spare.

The former Southampton defender, who joined Swansea in 2004, was confirmed as permanent manager at the end of last season on a three-year contract.

Wales captain Williams believes the club are now reaping the rewards of his appointment.

"The football that we've played, even when we haven't played great, you can see how committed the boys are," Williams added.

"We haven't had many wobbles and we've been in the top half the whole season.

"People appreciate the work that he does and the way he prepares us for games."

Monk will mark a year in charge when they host Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.