I trust Cellino, insists passed-over Leeds caretaker Redfearn

NEIL REDFEARN insists he is comfortable with Massimo Cellino’s decision to rule out the prospect of him becoming Leeds United’s new head coach.
Neil RedfearnNeil Redfearn
Neil Redfearn

Cellino has confirmed that United’s academy manager and caretaker boss is not now in his thoughts for the permanent head coach role, with the Elland Road owner keen for Redfearn to carry on his fine work overseeing the academy and bringing more youngsters into the first-team squad.

Redfearn will be in the dug-out for tonight’s trip at Bournemouth and possibly for Saturday’s derby clash with Huddersfield Town too, but Cellino is known to be working in the background to bring in a full-time head coach at first-team level.

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The Italian is believed to be targetting a candidate described as a ‘foreign coach, an international coach’ with the name of ex Leeds midfielder and Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella the shock one which has entered the betting in the last few days.

On Cellino’s decision, Redfearn said: “It is nothing to me either way. I am happy working for the club.

“Obviously, Massimo understands how things work as regards setting managers and coaches on. He knows all that side of it and I trust in what he does and his decisions.

“I am sure he has got the club’s best interests at heart and I have got a healthy respect for him and he respects me, that’s obvious.

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“It’s not about one person, it is about Leeds United Football Club. That is the most important thing. Whichever way we go, is the way we go.”

Whoever is handed the coaching role is likely to work closely with Redfearn, whose sterling work has opened the door for an increasing number of young players to be elevated to first-team level, with the 49-year-old instrumental in the development of the likes of Lewis Cook and Alex Mowatt.

Cellino has spoken of United’s new head coach giving Redfearn increased involvement and it is something he would relish.

He added: “Last year, I didn’t get involved with the first team with Brian and Nigel and I was just really with the development squad. If it means a little bit more of a closer link with the first team and coaching with the first team, then great.

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“Obviously, we have signed a lot of young players as well from overseas. So that group is a really important one.

“If we are going to get this group in and around the first team squad, it is important they are looked after and it works closely with the first team.”