Neil the man for Leeds

Tuesday, 07/02/2012

by Tom Mordey, Shoot’s Leeds United blogger

After Leeds United picked up their first away win in five games at Ashton Gate, beating Bristol City 3-0, everyone looked at the man behind this turnaround.

Neil Redfearn has stepped up to the plate and taken on the caretaker role at Elland Road, a position that hasn’t exactly been kind to previous incumbents, think John Carver and his horrible spell after Kevin Blackwell.

Either way, Redfearn has made a positive start and had the Whites playing with confidence again after a miserable couple of months. Ross McCormack looked very dangerous up front, and after scoring his 15th goal of the season.

McCormack backed Redfearn to take the job full time. He was very complimentary about the man in temporary charge, stating: “We know Neil from the club and he’s a great guy. He’s given everyone the confidence to express themselves and it stands us in good stead. If we go and win six in a row, I’m sure Neil will get the job.”

This is strong support for the man who has stepped up from his academy duties, but the immediate impact he has had on the team seems to be obvious. McCormack isn’t the only one backing ‘Redders’ to get the job on a full time basis, indeed many observers have rated his chances of getting the position highly and bookmakers have slashed the odds on Redfearn being offered the job.

It may be early days, but if Redfearn can get the side playing like that week in, week out, then he may leave chairman Ken Bates no option but to give him the prime seat in the dugout.

Bates may want a more experienced name, a Neil Warnock or a Billy Davies, but for once he should listen to the players' opinions and see who they want managing them.

At the very least, Redfearn should now be given an extended shot at running the team, to see how the side gets on and this will determine whether he could be the right man to take the club forward.

Any contract Redfearn receives could also be very cheap, which would delight Bates!

The fans may not have considered the possibility of the managerial rookie taking charge, but if the positive impact Redfearn is having on the side continues, there may be growing clamours from the terraces to get Neil on board.

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