Monk: These are the three qualities that convinced me to bring former player to Leeds
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Monk: These are the three qualities that convinced me to bring former player to Leeds

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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By Coral Barry

Garry Monk believes he has acquired the perfect man in Kyle Bartley to shore up Leeds defence.

The 25-year-old's arrival on a season-long loan from Swansea was confirmed on Friday and Monk was delighted to welcome to the club a player he had previously worked with.

Monk is aiming to continue the redevelopment of his squad ahead of his first season in charge and admitted Leeds were in desperate need of a strong, big and organised leader like Bartley.

"I'm delighted to get Kyle in," said Monk speaking to the club website. "Kyle has worked underneath me for the last two years and I know him very well - I know what he's capable of.

"I think defence is an area where we need to add strength to the quality that we already have. Kyle has worked with me and he knows how I work, so that helps.

"I think he's at a stage of his career where he wants to prove himself and try and fight for a place.

"He's big, he's strong and he's a very good defender. He's a good leader, he talks very well, he's a good organiser and a good communicator.

"All of those things will help the squad."

Bartley arrives from Premier League side Swansea having played a bit part role at the club in the 2015-16 season.

The centre-back made just eight appearances for the Swans in all competitions last campaign, but will compete for a starting berth under Monk at Leeds.

News of Bartley's arrival came just hours after Leeds had announced misfit Giuseppe Bellusci had left the club to return to Italy on a season-long loan with Empoli.

In other Leeds news,  Twitter has reacted to the news that Bellusci has left the club.

Garry Monk
Leeds United
Kyle Bartley
www.footballinsider247.com