Norwich City boss Alex Neil has given his backing to under-fire ex-team mate Garry Monk to survive the growing clamour for his sacking at Swansea City.

The Canaries' 1-0 Premier League win at Carrow Road triggered fresh speculation Monk could be the next top flight managerial casualty this season.

Neil knows what Monk is going through after ending a six-game winless run in the Premier League.

'For me, if there are questions about him being the wrong man then that is another sad day for football,' said Neil. 'I know a couple have already gone but it shows you what football is like. He got the highest ever points tally that club has had last season so what changes between then and 12 games into this season? He is the same manager. You just go through wee lulls and spells where it becomes tough, maybe you pick up a couple of injuries, maybe one or two players are out of form. This is my first spell when things haven't gone how you want.

'Managers now go in with their eyes wide open, they are not naïve or silly and think everything is going to be hunky dory. If you don't win games the speculation will turn to you, if you do then you are a good manager until the following week.

'It probably comes more from the media than anywhere else, with the statistics up on the television every day and all that sort of stuff. It is part and parcel.'

Neil and his former Barnsley team mate Monk are not only the youngest Premier League managers but part of a British coaching establishment operating at the highest level.

'Having young British managers, like players, only help the home nations,' said Neil. 'That is up to chairmen across the country to make those decision but I think everybody wants to see somebody of their own coming through because otherwise the home nations get weaker.'