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News
Leeds should approach Neil Redfearn after reported Newcastle exit
During the dark days when Leeds United fans went into the Christmas period knowing that nothing better than a mid-table finish in the Championship was on the cards come the end of the season, it was often the academy that provided the sole reason for optimism.
The famous image of Alex Mowatt celebrating a goal alongside Sam Byram, Lewis Cook and Charlie Taylor summed up how important the academy had been during that period.
And it continues to play a key role in the first-team squad today, with Kalvin Phillips the current talisman in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
And one man can take a lot of credit for the careers that those five players have enjoyed. Neil Redfearn spent more than six years in various roles at Elland Road, including head of academy and first-team boss.
Redfearn left Leeds in acrimonious circumstances back in 2015 (). But perhaps now is the time for the club to consider reaching out to the retired midfielder to see if he would be interested in returning.
Could Redfearn return to Leeds?
Just as he did at Leeds, Redfearn has demonstrated his versatility since leaving. He briefly managed Rotherham and worked in women’s football before becoming under-23 boss at Newcastle United in the summer.
that Redfearn is now set to leave the Magpies. And if that is the case, then perhaps Leeds need to think about bringing him back.
that he was stepping down as the Whites’ head of academy coaching. And if that or another similar position is vacant, Redfearn may be the perfect candidate to consider.
Leeds are a completely different club to the one Redfearn left. Massimo Cellino has gone. And under Andrea Radrizzani, the Whites look to be in a much better place at every level.
If Redfearn is open to a return, Leeds should certainly consider him. The Whites have so many exciting youngsters who would surely benefit from working under Redfearn before they go on to push for the under-18s and under-23s.
It may be that Redfearn does not want to return. And Leeds may not have a position to fill. But with the club’s academy continuing to play such an important role, and Redfearn reportedly set to leave Newcastle, it just seems like too good an opportunity for either side to overlook right now.