Neil Redfearn has officially been appointed the new head coach of Leeds United. The club made the announcement shortly before their game against Cardiff City and the 49-year-old has signed a 12-month rolling contract including the option to return to the academy where he worked for almost six years.

Redfearn has been handed the top job after three previous stints as caretaker manager and is Leeds’ third head coach of the season after Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic lasted just six games each. The new boss has revealed that he has received assurances from club president Massimo Cellino that he will be able to return to his old job if things do not work out.

Redfearn made nearly 800 football league appearances and captained Yorkshire rivals Barnsley to promotion to the Premier League in 1997. His only permanent managerial experience comprises of short spells at non-league sides Scarborough and Northwich Victoria, yet he knows Leeds United like the back of his hand and the Elland Road faithful will be hoping that the Whites can replicate the form that saw them go unbeaten in Redfearn’s four games in charge earlier this season.

Redfearn’s first game as permanent head coach ended in defeat at the Cardiff City Stadium and Leeds are now winless in seven. The fans will be hoping that he is the man to steady the ship after a turbulent season thus far and that the team can start to produce the results that will ultimately get them back into the top flight.

Peter White

Image courtesy of theguardian.com