Sunderland boss praises new Swansea manager

Monk was axed on December 9 after a run of only one win in 12 games, with 61-year-old Curtis handed the reins on a temporary basis.

After impressing Swans chairman Huw Jenkins, he was handed the job on a permanent basis until the end of the season.

The Swans are 17th in the Premier League, four points above Sunderland ahead of tonight’s match at the Liberty Stadium.

Allardyce, who says experienced Curtis has the backing of the Swansea squad, also sympathised with Monk, who he tipped to bounce back.

“[Alan] knows Swansea inside-out and he’s been sat behind all managers for many years,” said Allardyce.

“I’m sure that the players respect him for the position he’s in and will go out to produce results.

“I felt incredibly sorry for Garry Monk, having done what he did and been such a big part of Swansea for so many years.

“He found the reality of all from being so highly praised as a young manager, to now when he’s out of a job and is looking for another one.

“But that’s football and that’s what the results game means to you.

“It doesn’t matter what type of football you play, if you lose, you still lose your job. I’m sure he’ll learn from that when he goes for his next job.

“But Alan has done a stabilising job and picked up a few more results recently.

“We know Swansea have shown a few more vulnerabilities this season than they have done before.”