Leeds United board urged to give Garry Monk new deal despite Whites missing out on the play-offs

United’s quest to reach the Championship play-offs effectively ended on Saturday after they drew 3-3 with Norwich City.

It left Monk’s side trailing Fulham by three points with one game to go and with the sixth-placed Londoners having a massively superior goal difference.

Despite that disappointment, Bartley – who says that the club have not spoken to him about his own future with his season-long loan from Swansea City ending after next Sunday’s game at Wigan – believes that Monk has significantly revived the fortunes of Leeds and deserves the opportunity to continue the good work.

On Monk, whose current deal expires in June, Bartley said: “I said after week two of the season that Garry is the best manager in the league and my opinion on that hasn’t changed all season.

“He is a fantastic manager and I feel a bit embarrassed talking about my future when his future is up in the air.

“If I was to say anything to Leeds it would be to get Garry signed up before you think about any players.

“He is the cornerstone of this club at the moment and if they do not sign him up, they could be in trouble.

“Everything is set up, the fan-base is there and the size of the club but the summer is massive for Leeds and the owners need to show their intent.

“If they do that, it will be onwards and upwards and if they do not, then on their heads be it.”

Commenting on his future, Monk added: “The club have said when they want to speak, so I have to respect that and even when that point comes, it will be a case of us both agreeing on the right way to go forward.

“Of course, I know clearly how I would take the club and the squad forward and the club will have their views as well.”

Match report as play-off dream is ended: Page 5