Leeds United v Burnley: We’re all in this together, new Leeds manager tells the fans

Marching On Together is the message the new Elland Road chief wants to get across to not only his players but also the supporters, board and staff.

The new United manager said: “When it was 1-1 (during Saturday’s derby win over Sheffield Wednesday), I said to Nigel (Gibbs, assistant manager), ‘This is all right, isn’t it?’ And it was.

“They got right behind us and when we got it to 2-1, the fans started singing Marching On Together. That summed it up for me. It is how it has to be.

“If I had a philosophy in life, that would be it – marching on together. I remember hearing that two years ago (when visiting Elland Road as Reading manager) and it was just fantastic.

“I wanted to get out early (on Saturday) just to hear that. There is no point saying it and not doing it, for us as a group and a club.”

McDermott has made the first major decision of his reign, keeping Under-21s coach Neil Redfearn involved with the first-team set-up following his recent stint in caretaker charge.

The former Barnsley and Bradford City midfielder will work with McDermott and Gibbs, leaving Richard Naylor and Leigh Bromby – who helped out with the Under-18s when Naylor and Redfearn took the first team following Neil Warnock’s departure – in charge of the under-age teams.

Burnley head to Elland Road looking to complete a league double over United following their 1-0 triumph at Turf Moor in November.

A home win, however, could take Leeds as high as ninth – which, considering McDermott’s arrival just last Friday came amid growing fears of an impending relegation battle, is pretty remarkable.

McDermott said: “First and foremost, you want to win. But I also want the team to play well and pass the ball and enjoy the game. You want to finish the season on a high and I am not looking at the squad. The squad is our squad at this moment in time. All we are doing is concentrating on our training and on what we have to do in the Burnley game.”

Luke Varney netted two goals in the weekend win over the Owls after being moved from the left flank up front to replace Steve Morison.

The former Blackpool and Derby County striker could, as a result, retain his place, meaning Morison – a January signing from Norwich City – may have to be content with a place on the bench.

McDermott said: “I have known Steve Morison from my scouting days when he was playing for Stevenage. He works really, really hard.

“He had a tough time at Norwich and did not play too many games or have too many opportunities. He has come here and played all the games under the previous manager and I know he is a good player and a good lad.”

After claiming a first win in eight outings when the Owls came to Elland Road, United are tonight bidding to end another unwanted run – it has been 18 games since they scored a goal during the first half of a match.

McDermott said: “If it is any consolation, Reading didn’t 
score in the Championship in the first half for 20 games last year and won it. Long may that continue.”

Last six games: Leeds United DLLLLW, Burnley LDDDWL.

Last time: Leeds United 2 Burnley 1; January 2, 2012; Championship.

Referee: F Graham (Essex).