Leeds United say no to Sven as Redfearn is given chance

The 46-year-old steered Leeds to victory in his bow as caretaker boss, a result that has prompted the club to leave Redfearn in charge for the two home games against Doncaster Rovers and Brighton that sandwich the Valentine’s Day trip to Coventry City.

Chairman Ken Bates said: “We’ve decided that Neil will be in charge of the team for at least the next three games - Brighton, Coventry and Doncaster. They’re all winnable and after all the malestrom we’re only two points off the players.

“After the impressive start Neil’s made, nopt just with the win but with his presence and start around Thorp Arch, he’ll be given his chance to demonstrate his abilities while we consider the matter carefully and in no hurry.

“As you can imagine we’ve been inundated with applications from the cheeky to the outlandish.”

United have been inundated with applications since Simon Grayson’s departure last Wednesday, with Bates suggesting Sven Goran Eriksson is among those to have shown interest.

The Leeds chairman said: “We’ve had Eriksson, would you believe, but he won’t be coming. But we’re not going to make any hurried appointment because the next appointment is the big one. Not necessarily big in name but big in significance for the future of Leeds United.

“It would be any manager’s ambitons to manage a big club and Leeds is that. It also brings a wealth of unwanted applciations for the wrong reasons. That’s why we’re having to be careful. We don’t want any instant miracle maker, the fans might think it’s a good idea but you rarely find one. We have to get someone who want to come to Leeds for the right reasons.

“We’re looking very carefully at the options and the implications of appointing anybody. What baggage do they carry?

“Neil Redfearn’s in the seat and he has an opportunity to prove he’s the man for the job and he does that by winning games. He’s made a good start.”