Redfearn was unlucky not to get Leeds job says Brentford nemesis Douglas

FORMER Leeds United midfielder Jonathan Douglas insists Neil Redfearn can count himself ‘unlucky’ not to have been handed the head coach position on a permanent basis.
Alex Mowatt takes on United old boy Jonathan Douglas. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Alex Mowatt takes on United old boy Jonathan Douglas. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Alex Mowatt takes on United old boy Jonathan Douglas. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The Irishman helped orchestrate Brentford to a 2-0 weekend win over his former club, in what proved an ignominious start to Darko Milanic’s tenure at the club.

The setback followed an uplifting haul of ten points from a possible 12 under the command of interim head coach Redfearn, who presided over a four-match unbeaten streak prior to Milanic’s arrival.

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Despite a pronounced upturn under Redfearn, Massimo Cellino ruled out the 49-year-old from his thoughts for the permanent head coach role earlier this month, with the United owner expressing his desire for the Yorkshireman to continue his sterling job running the Academy.

Douglas said: “They picked up 10 points out of 12 (under Redfearn).

“I know Neil. He was with the academy when I was there. He’s a good coach and was probably looking to stay involved with the first team. I think the lads were looking for that, but it wasn’t to be. Their owner went down a different route.”

He added: “(Redfearn) was unlucky. Performances proved that he was unlucky. He picked up a lot of points, but the owner has gone down a different route. I am sure they will turn it around.”

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Young Paraguayan striker Brian Montenegro found the net for United under-21s in their 2-1 home loss to Queens Park Rangers in the Professional Development League at Thorp Arch yesterday afternoon.

The summer signing struck on 54 minutes following a quickly-taken free-kick involving Adryan and Noel Hunt to reduce the arrears after the Londoners went 2-0 in front a few minutes earlier.

The game saw Leeds finish the game with ten men after young play-maker Zan Benedicic came off with a head injury late on following a clash of heads with Hunt.

Dario Del Fabro also started for Leeds.