Criticism of Swans' Garry Monk ridiculous, says Russell Slade

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade was in charge at Leyton Orient before joining the Bluebirds

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has defended Swansea boss Garry Monk after a run of six matches without a win.

Slade condemned as "absolutely ridiculous" questions raised about the future of Monk after Swans slipped to 14th in the Premier League.

"We should not even be talking about it, the man has done a fantastic job," said Slade.

He added that he was frustrated at the way managerial sackings had become "an entertainment" in football.

Swansea have not won a League match since their 2-1 win over Manchester United in August.

Monk has admitted his team are in a "difficult moment" following Monday's 1-0 home defeat to Stoke City.

The Bluebirds are eighth in the Championship after their 1-0 win against Middlesbrough, but Slade is alarmed by the publicity around the managerial roundabout.

Garry Monk's Swansea topped the Premier League in August, but have slipped to 14th

Crazy business decisions

He was speaking after Championship rivals Leeds United's decision to part company with Uwe Rossler after just 12 games.

"I find it frustrating really," said the Cardiff manager, who took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in October 2014.

"If we decide football is a business, and people are always telling me it is today, then sometimes we make some crazy business decisions.

"When we have invested in players, done all the preparation for the company and then within weeks or a few months we're changing that strategy, I find that really frustrating to be honest.

"Also what I find frustrating is, it has become something of an entertainment, seeing which managers have gone.

"I think its part of the entertainment, who is going in there next? We serve that up for managers to go and managers to come in.

"It certainly has not always been like that. Managers were given more time statistically than the months - and I am saying months, not years now - managers are given now."

Return of Ralls

Meanwhile, Cardiff hope to have midfielder Joe Ralls available for Monday's match with Bristol City.

He will train on Sunday after missing Tuesday's 1-0 with over Middlesbrough with a hamstring injury.

Striker Kenwyne Jones will miss the game with a shin problem, but should return to training in midweek.

Ben Turner and Federico Macheda are targeting returns from long term injuries in November.

Brune Ecoule Manga hopes to be back in early December.