Leeds players unaffected by Cellino controversy

Elland Road has again been thrown into turmoil this week by the Football League’s decision to disqualify the Italian from running the club until March next year.

Cellino plans to appeal against what the governing body state is a breach of their “fit and proper” ownership test.

Asked whether the furore had affected the squad this week, head coach Redfearn replied: “I don’t think so. You have got to remember we come up to Thorp Arch (for training) and lose ourselves in what we do.

“We can’t affect what else goes on. We are mindful of guarding the players, but that stuff takes care of itself.

“The players have been focused. We have got a young group and what you get with them is that they’re enthusiastic. They look forward to training and playing.”

On Cellino, Redfearn added: “I know Massimo is here for the long haul and he has done absolutely fantastic for this football club.

“I am buying into what he wants to do, right through from when I was working with the Academy and the stuff that he told me about which way he wanted to take the club and the direction.

“It hasn’t moved from that path and I think he has got to take great credit for that. Whatever issues there are, I am sure they will be sorted out.

“We are in this process of building and he wants to build. He wants to build a side who can compete and be in the Premier League; I am just pleased to be part of the process of turning this club around and getting it going.”

The flare-up between Leeds and the League came on the back of comfortably the best performance of the season on the field as leaders Derby County were beaten 2-0 at Elland Road.

Redfearn added: “We are improving during a tough spell (of games), which is great credit to the lads.

“There is still a long way to go and a lot to do. But I am pleased with what the players are doing and how they have applied themselves. We need to keep that going.”