Neil Redfearn is delighted to welcome Steve Thompson to Leeds United as the club’s new assistant manager.
Leeds started the new season with Dave Hockaday in charge, and he appointed Junior Lewis as his assistant. When Darko Milanic then succeeded the former Forest Green Rovers boss in September, he brought in Slovenian compatriot Novica Nikcevic to assist, but Redfearn has been working solo since he was placed as the club’s third manager of the campaign in November.
However, he will now be able to call upon the help of his former Bolton Wanderers team-mate Thompson, who has been confirmed as the Elland Road outfit’s new assistant boss. And Redfearn couldn’t be happier, as he revealed: “It’s great news for me, it’s great news for the club. It’s taken time but we’ve done it the right way. He has a wealth of experience, he’s been promoted from this division.”
Thompson began the season as assistant to Mark Robins at Huddersfield Town, and he remained at the club as first-team coach even when the former Coventry City boss was sacked after just one match of the season to make way for Chris Powell. However, the Terriers revealed last week they were prepared to discuss his release, and that is when Leeds stepped up their approach.
Prior to his spell at the John Smith’s Stadium, Thompson has had coaching spells at Blackpool, including two stints as caretaker manager. Speaking after being announced as Redfearn’s assistant, the 50-year-old said: “When someone wants you and it’s Leeds United it’s a fantastic opportunity. From what I saw there is some fantastic ability out there, and we’re looking to improve.”
Is this a good move by Leeds, and perhaps a sign that Redfearn will be given a long run in his job? Let us know what you think by joining the discussion below.
