Neil Redfearn’s Leeds United future in doubt after assistant suspended

Neil Redfearn's position as Leeds United head coach is in serious doubt after admitting the suspension of his assistant, Steve Thompson, has undermined and put him in a difficult situation.

Thompson was suspended on Thursday by the Leeds director of football, Nicola Salerno, having been at the club since December after moving from Huddersfield Town.

Leeds have not disclosed the reasoning for Thompson’s suspension and, just hours after learning the news, Redfearn held a press conference at the club’s training ground.

‘No brainer’

“It is undermining,” said Redfearn. “You’re trying to put something together in the belief that you’re getting the backing. I’ve got to have a real hard think. Where before it was a no brainer [to remain head coach], I’ve got to have a think.”

Leeds have been in good form in recent weeks and have climbed to mid-table security in the English Championship, despite the club's Italian owner, Massimo Cellino, being barred until the end of the season after falling foul of the Football League's owners' and directors' test. Cellino hired Salerno as director of football last summer, having previously worked together at Cagliari.

Regarding Thompson’s departure, a Leeds statement read: “The director of football, Nicola Salerno, has today (April 2nd) suspended the assistant coach Steve Thompson from his duties at the club. This is an internal matter and the club will make no further comment on this internal issue.” Guardian Service