After Leeds slipped out of the play-off picture in the closing stages of last season, some fans might have been hoping that the foundation of that side would stay together, allowing the club to redouble its efforts and launch a strong promotion push this time around. 

That was not the case. Garry Monk left the club in acrimonious circumstances, top scorer Chris Wood was sold to Burnley for big money but so late in the transfer window that Leeds could not adequately replace him.

Another key departure was that of Kyle Bartley, who spent last season on loan at Elland Road but returned to Swansea City this campaign, but hasn't been able to nail down a place in the first team at the Liberty Stadium.

Leeds fans would love to have him back, especially given the current spate of suspensions and injuries that has hampered their defensive options and we've taken a look at three ways in which Bartley leaving the club affected the club's chances of a play-off push this season.

It might not have been pretty at times but Leeds’ success last season was built on a solid defensive foundation, a backline that could soak up pressure and allowed them to play on the break.

Bartley was a key part of that. Leeds have let in 39 league goals already this season from just 31 games, whereas they only conceded 47 from 46 last time around.

Injuries haven’t helped but there is no doubt that Leeds have been more fragile defensively this time around, unable to find a combination that is solid and reliable and Bartley’s departure has been a major factor.

Since Samuel Saiz received a red card for a spitting incident at Newport in the FA Cup, a lack of discipline has undermined Leeds’ attempts to get their season back on track.

Red card after red card has followed and their winless win in all competitions has stretched all the way back to December as a result.

Liam Cooper is the club captain but he saw red – literally and metaphorically – against Millwall. It needs a cool head to guide the club but also someone to tell the players in no uncertain terms that losing discipline week in, week out, is not acceptable. Bartley is the type of character to do just that.

Last season, Bartley formed an imposing central defensive partnership with Pontus Jansson, who was also in his first season at the club.

They were strong, intimidating and capable of resisting onslaughts when Leeds came under pressure. Both men became popular among the fans because of it.

However, since Bartley’s departure, Jansson doesn’t look the same player. His aggression is coming out as desperation and the defensive instability at Leeds has affected his game, no doubt about it.

Leeds fans - what are your thoughts on this assessment? Let us know in the comments below...