This undermines everything at Leeds says Redfearn as he ‘considers position’

Thompson has been an integral part of United’s improved form but was stood down from his duties until the end of the season on Thursday morning after receiving a letter from the club’s director of football Nicola Salerno.

Thompson’s contract is up at the end of the season anyway meaning he has effectively been sacked and Leeds said in a club statement that the 50-year-old’s suspension was an “internal matter”.

But speaking at his Thursday afternoon press conference at Thorp Arch, head coach Redfearn revealed he did not understand why Thompson had been dismissed.

Redfearn’s press conference was delayed for around an hour with Sky sources reporting that the head coach was at Thorp Arch but on the phone to somebody at the club.

Sky sources also spoke of unconfirmed player reports saying Redfearn had ‘taken training for the last time.’

When Redfearn eventually faced the media, United’s head coach was asked about Thompson’s dismissal and said: “I don’t understand why he has been suspended. I’m bitterly disappointed.

“It’s a difficult one for me to take, I can’t think for one minute why someone who has been part of this success has been sacked.

“Me and Steve were the ideal partnership, he’s been great for me and I’m bitterly disappointed that he’s not here.”

Redfearn was then asked about his own future and admitted: “It’s become difficult for me. It’s not ideal timing. It’s not helped.

“I’ve got to have a good think about my future now. It undermines everything. We have put things together me and Steve.

“Before it was a no brainer for me to stay on, not so much now.

“I love this club, I was brought up on Leeds United but this situation is a difficult one for me.”

Redfearn’s contract is also up at the end of the season and club president Massimo Cellino is suspended until May 3.

United sit 13th in the Championship table but have been in promotion form since the turn of the year with the Whites hosting Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.