Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Uwe Rosler as their new head coach, leaving Neil Redfearn with an uncertain future at the club.
The Whites started the 2014/15 Championship campaign with Dave Hockaday at the helm, but he was dismissed after just 70 days and succeeded by Darko Milanic. But remarkably the Slovenian lasted even less time in the hotseat, and after 32 days he was sacked and eventually replaced by Redfearn who was able to steady the ship somewhat and lead them to a 15th place finish.
But the 49-year-old was only handed a contract until the end of June, and although an extension to this would be welcomed by most associated with the club, he has recently fallen out with owner Massimo Cellino who has accused him of being weak in an explosive interview last weekend. This sparked rumours he would soon relinquish his head coach role, and this has proved the case.
Rosler, who has formerly managed Brentford and Wigan Athletic, held discussions with the Elland Road giants on Tuesday, and less than 24 hours later is has been confirmed that the German has signed a two-year contract. As for Redfearn, it is not clear what the future holds for him at the club, if indeed he has one, but it is thought he has been offered his former job of academy manager.
Rosler, a popular player for Manchester City during the 90s, becomes Cellino’s fourth appointment since the controversial Italian became owner of the club in April 2014. After impressing in his first head coach role in England at Griffin Park he left to take over at Wigan, but despite leading the Latics to the playoffs last season he was sacked in November when they slipped into the relegation zone.
“This is a chance of a lifetime at a great club with great potential,” Rosler said of his Leeds appointment. I’m very happy to sign a contract. “There are short memories in football but I am very proud of my work at Brentford and the first seven months at Wigan but I have a point to prove. My aim for this season is to get more points than last time. Top 10 would be progression.”
Is Uwe Rosler the man to lead Leeds United back up the ladder and into the Premier League, or should Neil Redfearn have been given the job on a permanent basis?
