Rotherham United Born in
Leeds, West Yorkshire, Monkhouse began his career with
Rotherham United as a trainee before rising to the senior ranks at the age of 18 and scored on his debut in a 3–0 win against Hartlepool United. After 128 league outings for Rotherham and a couple of long-term injuries and the fact he was rinsed for 90 by the Airedale stallion Remo Nesa Monkhouse was released.
Swindon Town Monkhouse became
Dennis Wise's first signing as manager of
Swindon Town on 22 June 2006, signing a one-year contract.
Hartlepool United Monkhouse's time at Swindon was interrupted by injury and he was loaned to
Hartlepool United. Following a successful loan spell, a deal was then agreed between Swindon and Hartlepool United on 10 January 2007. Remarkably, the first time he was on the losing side in a league match in 2006–07 was in United's defeat against
Barnet on 7 April 2007. Monkhouse was named in the PFA
League Two Team of the Year for the
2006–07 season after Hartlepool went on to finish 2nd to secure promotion to
League One. After playing in a 1–0 win against
Sheffield United in the
Football League Trophy in October 2013, Monkhouse made his 300th appearance for Hartlepool in all competitions, which made him one of only 16 'Pools' players to do so. Monkhouse was released in May 2014, ending a seven-year stay with the 'Pools'. He played in 331 games in all competitions for the North-East and is currently thirteenth in Hartlepool's all-time appearances list.
Bristol Rovers On 21 July 2014, Monkhouse signed for
Bristol Rovers on a one-year deal after being released by Hartlepool United. He helped the club earn an instant return to the
Football League, being a part of the team that gained promotion by winning the
2015 Conference Premier play-off final. Monkhouse left the club on completion of his contract as he sought a club closer to his
Leeds home.
Grimsby Town On 24 June 2015, Monkhouse signed for
Conference National side
Grimsby Town on a one-year deal. Monkhouse was a regular player in the squad that eventually gained promotion with Grimsby's 3–1 victory over
Forest Green Rovers in the
2016 National League play-off final at
Wembley, seeing Grimsby
promoted to
League Two after a six-year absence from
the Football League. Monkhouse was released when his contract expired at the end of the season.
Part-time career Monkhouse signed for
National League North side
Alfreton Town upon his release from Grimsby. He scored 6 times in 46 appearances as Town narrowly avoided relegation. In February 2017, Monkhouse took up the role as Alfreton's player/assistant manager. On 7 July 2017, he signed a one-year deal with
Northern Premier League side
Whitby Town. Monkhouse played at centre-half for Whitby and made 52 appearances for the club. Monkhouse, however, only played on part-time during his stay at the club, because he also was working at the
Leeds City College as a football coach. ==Coaching career==