Redfearn Set To Return

Last updated : 10 June 2015 By .

Redfearn was informed that his contract as head coach at the club would not be renewed at the end of last season and had been considering the club’s offer of a return to his former position.

Redfearn has now decided to take up his old post and his continued involvement with Leeds would come as a major boost to supporters.

He told the YEP: “My contract had said that if I wasn’t offered the (head) coaching job, then I will go back to being the academy manager.
 
“That is what will be happening and I will go back on the first of July, as it stands at the moment.

“I have had a bit of interest from other people, but to be honest, I am a fair way into this now with the academy and had spent six and a bit years here.

“I have brought a number of these kids through and it is something that I want to keep doing."

Despite Redfearn’s unceremonious removal as head coach of Leeds after steadying the ship impressively in 2014-15 and having the gratitude of large sections of United’s support, executive director Adam Pearson confirmed last month that the 49-year-old was free to resume his old job.

Speaking at the unveiling of Uwe Rosler as new head coach on May 20 and clarifying the position of Redfearn, Pearson said: “Neil’s been offered the appointment back in charge of the academy and we await his answer.

“The role’s been offered to him and I’m sure he’ll come back to me as soon as he’s had time to think about it.”

Despite a bitter fall-out at the time with Massimo Cellino, Redfearn is now focusing his energies and commitment into making a further success of his old role with the academy - where he successfully brought through a host of players to the first-team including Sam Byram, Alex Mowatt, Lewis Cook and Charlie Taylor.

He added: “As far as I am concerned, on the first of July, I am coming back as academy manager.

“It is a job which in the greater scheme of things had been massively important and it is important for the academy to know that it does matter.”