Bitter taste of Leeds exit still rankles with Redfearn

Redfearn will be back at Leeds on Saturday, six months on from his departure from the club, as he attempts to record a first win as manager of Rotherham United.

The 50-year-old took charge of the South Yorkshire club earlier this month – replacing current Leeds boss Steve Evans – having ended his six-and-a-half year association with United in July.

Redfearn took charge of Leeds’ first-team last season but was replaced by Uwe Rosler in May after a bitter breakdown in his relationship with club owner Massimo Cellino.

The former Barnsley midfielder had hoped to remain as head coach this season having staved off the threat of relegation last term.

But he reverted briefly to his old job as academy boss before claiming his position had been made untenable and tendering his resignation.

“The situation wasn’t ideal. It wasn’t handled well,” Redfearn said.

“I don’t really want to go into all that but I do get feelings of disappointment when I think back to last season. I’d been at Leeds for a long time and I felt I’d got the team in a really good position.

“I felt that with the right backing I’d put the club on a much firmer footing.

“I can’t speak for the supporters but I got the feeling that a lot of them thought we were taking strides forward.

“They appreciated some of our football and they could relate to the young players coming through, which is what that club’s about.”