Neil Redfearn

Neil Redfearn
Personal information
Full nameNeil David Redfearn
Date of birth20 June 1965
Place of birthDewsbury, England
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1]
Playing positionMidfielder
Club information
Current team
Leeds United (Head Coach)
Youth career
–1982Nottingham Forest
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
1982–1984Bolton Wanderers35(1)
1984–1986Lincoln City100(13)
1986–1987Doncaster Rovers46(14)
1987–1989Crystal Palace57(10)
1989–1990Watford24(3)
1990–1991Oldham Athletic62(16)
1991–1998Barnsley292(72)
1998–1999Charlton Athletic30(3)
1999–2000Bradford City17(1)
2000–2001Wigan Athletic22(7)
2001–2002Halifax Town42(6)
2002–2004Boston United54(12)
2004Rochdale9(0)
2004–2006Scarborough61(18)
2006–2007Bradford Park Avenue
2007Stocksbridge Park Steels
2007Frickley Athletic
2007–2008Bridlington Town
2008Emley
2008Salford City
Total851(176)
Teams managed
2001Halifax Town (caretaker)
2002Halifax Town (caretaker)
2005–2006Scarborough
2007Northwich Victoria
2008York City (caretaker)
2012Leeds United (caretaker)
2013Leeds United (caretaker)
2014Leeds United (caretaker)
2014–Leeds United
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

Neil David Redfearn (born 20 June 1965) is an English former professional footballer who is the current head coach of Leeds United.

Redfearn played 790 matches in the Football League, the fifth highest total of all-time, and more than a thousand first team games overall in a career that has spanned 24 years. He has had spells as caretaker manager of Halifax Town and York City and as manager of Scarborough and Northwich Victoria.

Playing career

Born in Dewsbury, West Riding of Yorkshire, Redfearn began his career at Bolton Wanderers in 1982, having previously been on the books of Nottingham Forest's youth team. He later made his name as goalscoring midfielder at lower-division sides Lincoln City and Doncaster Rovers. In May 1985 he was to witness a nightmare when 56 spectators were killed in a horrendous stand fire while playing for Lincoln against Bradford City. In 1987, he was signed by Crystal Palace for £100,000, and he later played for Watford, before moving again in 1989 to Oldham Athletic.

Redfearn's last season with Oldham constituted a career highlight as he was an ever-present in the team that won the Second Division title and returned the Latics to the top-flight of English football after a gap of 68 years. Redfearn converted the injury time penalty kick in the final game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday that completed a 3–2 victory (after Oldham had trailed 2–0), and snatched the championship from West Ham United, who had prematurely been handed the trophy some 15 minutes earlier. Despite his contribution to Oldham's promotion, he became surplus to requirements with the re-signing of former club captain Mike Milligan from Everton in the off-season and Redfearn was transferred without playing for Oldham in the top flight.

In September 1991, Redfearn joined Barnsley, and it was at this club he arguably spent his prime years. In his seven seasons at Oakwell, he hardly missed a single game, and was named club captain and penalty taker. In the 1996–97 season, Redfearn scored 17 goals as Barnsley won promotion to the FA Premier League for the first time in the club's history. Redfearn missed only one game, and was Barnsley's top scorer with ten league goals in the 1997–98 season. These included Barnsley's first ever top division goal on the opening day of the season, when he put them ahead in the ninth minute at home to West Ham United, although they ended up losing the game 2–1.[2]

It was not enough to save them though, as Barnsley were relegated that season. However, despite being in his thirties, Redfearn's performances had made him a wanted man in the Premier League, and he was signed by Charlton Athletic for £1 million in the summer of 1998. He left Barnsley having played 338 first team games, scoring 84 goals.

In the 1998–99 season, his family did not settle in London, and at the end of the season, Redfearn jumped at the chance of returning to his native Yorkshire, when Bradford City paid £250,000 for his services. Redfearn did not make much impact at Bradford, scoring just once against Leicester City,[3] and joined his 10th team, Wigan Athletic after just nine months in Bradford. Despite a very good goalscoring record, Redfearn never became first-choice at Wigan either, and he dropped down two divisions to join Halifax Town in 2001.

Late Playing Career and Early Managerial Career

At Halifax, he also got his first taste of management, being appointed caretaker manager alongside Tony Parks following the resignaton of Paul Bracewell on 30 August.[4] His spell as caretaker manager came to an end on 12 October following the appointment of Alan Little.[5] Redfearn started a second spell in caretaker charge on 4 March 2002 due to the enforced absence of Little.[6] However, his contract with the club was terminated on 25 April and having been snubbed for the permanent manager's job he joined Boston United as player-coach.[7][8]

Redfearn spent the better part of two years at Boston, before finishing his Football League career at Rochdale in the spring of 2004.[9] Rochdale did not offer him a new contract at the end of the season,[10] meaning he finished his Football League career with 790 appearances and so being fifth in the all-time list of most Football League appearances.[11] His last league appearance for Rochdale took his total to . after which Redfearn dropped down to the Conference, where he became player-coach at Scarborough, managed at the time by his former Oldham teammate Nick Henry. He signed a new contract with Scarborough in April 2005.[12] When Henry was sacked on 24 October Redfearn was named caretaker manager,[13] before being appointed permanently on 1 November while remaining registered as a player.[14][15] Redfearn resigned on 6 July 2006 after Mark Patterson was brought in as assistant manager.[16] He subsequently signed with Northern Premier League First Division side Bradford Park Avenue later that month.[17] He made his 1,000th competitive appearance on 4 November 2006, when Bradford Park Avenue faced Solihull Borough in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy.[18]

Redfearn quit Bradford Park Avenue in March 2007, joining Northern Premier League First Division rivals Stocksbridge Park Steels,[19] but left on 19 June to become manager of Conference side Northwich Victoria.[20] He resigned on 17 September 2007, after the club only managed one point from their first nine games, leaving them bottom of the Conference National.[21]

He joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club Frickley Athletic as a player in September 2007.[22] He left the club over a month later to join Bridlington Town on 5 November.[23] He left them in January 2008 after the departure of manager Ash Berry.[24] He was appointed as York City's youth team coach in February.[25] He joined Emley in July, where he would play when his commitments with York's youth team allowed.[26] Redfearn moved onto Salford City of the Northern Premier League Division One North in October 2008.[27] He took over as caretaker manager at York on 21 November 2008, following Colin Walker's sacking and was in charge for the team's 2–2 draw against Crawley Town.[28][29] Following Martin Foyle's appointment as manager on 24 November, Redfearn took up the position of assistant manager at the club.[30]

Leeds United

Academy Role and Caretaker Stints

Redfearn left York over a month later after being appointed coach of the under-18 academy team at Leeds United on 30 December and he assumed this role on 1 January 2009.[31][32] He took over as manager of the Leeds reserve team in December 2010 following the sacking of Neil Thompson.[33] He was appointed caretaker manager at Leeds following the sacking of manager Simon Grayson on 1 February 2012.[34] On 4 February he won his first match in charge by beating Bristol City 3–0. It was later confirmed by club chairman Ken Bates that Redfearn would retain the managerial post for the following three games.[35] After two wins and two defeats in his four-game spell as manager, Redfearn was replaced as manager by Neil Warnock as permanent manager on 18 February.[36] In April 2012, Redfearn guided Leeds' Under 18's side to a 2nd-place finish in the Under 18's League, narrowly missing out on top spot to Newcastle's Under 18's team.

On 1 April following the departure of Neil Warnock,[37] Redfearn again took charge of the first team for the game at for the 1–0 defeat against Charlton Athletic on 6 April 2013.[38]

In April 2013 manager Brian McDermott announced that Redfearn would become the new First Team Coach as well as combining his role as Reserve Team/Development Squad manager. When McDermott left in May 2014 Redfearn stood down from his role of first team coach to continue his role as reserve team/development squad manager as well as his role of Academy Manager.[39]

Redfearn's spell as the Head Of Academy was heavily praised due to the influx of Leeds academy players breaking through into the first team such as Dominic Poleon, Chris Dawson, Sam Byram, Alex Mowatt, Lewis Cook and Kalvin Phillips.

On 28 August 2014, Redfearn was appointed caretaker head coach after head coach Dave Hockaday and his assistant Junior Lewis were sacked by owner Massimo Cellino, having been in the job for only 70 days. This was the third time Redfearn had been appointed as a caretaker manager/head coach of Leeds.[40][41] Redfearn picked up a victory in his first game back in charge with a 1–0 win on 30 August against Bolton Wanderers.[42] On 20 September, Redfearn's Leeds picked up a 3-0 win over local rivals Huddersfield Town.[43] After recording a record of three wins and one draw in his latest stint as caretaker, Leeds announced that Redfearn would be stepping back down into a role described as "Academy manager and head of coaching."[44] with Darko Milanič appointed the new Head Coach of Leeds United on a 2-year deal replacing previous Head Coach Dave Hockaday, he was joined at Leeds by his SK Sturm Graz Assistant Novica Nikčević.[45]

Head coach

On 25 October, Milanič was sacked by the club after only 32 days in charge. Cellino confirmed that Redfearn would be appointed as Leeds' new head coach.[46][47] On the 27 October 2014 Redfearn confirmed that he verbally agreed to become Head Coach of Leeds after receiving reassurances that if it does not work out, he will revert to his previous job back in the academy.[48][49]

On 1 November 2014, Redfearn was confirmed as the new Head Coach of Leeds United, on an initial 12-month contract with the option of a further 12 months, the contract also had a clause that would see Redfearn return to the academy if he was to leave his role as Head Coach.[50] On 18 December 2014, Steve Thompson was hired as Redfearn's new assistant manager at Leeds United.

After a change in formation, with Redfearn playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, 2015 saw Leeds pick up an upturn in form, helping Leeds climb from towards the relegation zone positions to a midtable position.

On 2 April 2015, Redfearn's Assistant Steve Thompson was suspended by Leeds for an 'internal matter' by Leeds Sporting Director Nicola Salerno, with Head Coach Redfearn advising he was kept in the dark as to the reason's why Thompson had been suspended.[51]

Also on 2 April 2015, a story emerged that Redfearn had been put under pressure to 'not select' top scorer Mirco Antenucci, because Antenucci's contract featured a clause of an extra year on his contract, should he score 12 goals in his first season. Antenucci's agent Silvio Pagliari confirmed the clause was correct.[52] Despite this, Redfearn started Antenucci, with Antenucci making a relatively rare start against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 6 April in a 4-3 defeat.[53]

On 9 April, after rumoured Premier League interest in Alex Mowatt and teamates Lewis Cook, Charlie Taylor and Sam Byram, Redfearn challenged Leeds United's owners to keep a hold of their home grown talents.[54]

Personal life

Redfearn's father Brian is a former professional footballer.[1] He is a lifelong Leeds fan.[55] Redfearn married Susan Roberts in Dewsbury in 1985.[56]

Managerial statistics

As of match played 25 April 2015.
Team From To Record Ref
G W D L Win %
Halifax Town (caretaker) 30 August 2001 12 October 2001 8 2 3 3 25.0 [57]
Halifax Town (caretaker) 4 March 2002 25 April 2002 11 3 1 7 27.3 [57]
Scarborough 24 October 2005 6 July 2006 29 6 7 16 20.7 [58]
Northwich Victoria 19 June 2007 17 September 2007 9 0 1 8 0.0 [59]
York City (caretaker) 21 November 2008 24 November 2008 1 0 1 0 0.0 [57]
Leeds United (caretaker) 1 February 2012 20 February 2012 4 2 0 2 50.0 [57]
Leeds United (caretaker) 1 April 2013 12 April 2013 1 0 0 1 0.0 [57][60]
Leeds United (caretaker) 27 August 2014 23 September 2014 4 3 1 0 75.0 [61]
Leeds United 1 November 2014 Present 32 11 6 15 34.48 [57]
Total 9827195227.55

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Profiles". Halifax Town A.F.C. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ "Bantams out fox Leicester". BBC Sport. 23 October 1999. Retrieved 26 February 2010.
  4. ↑ "Bracewell quits as Halifax boss". BBC Sport. 30 August 2001. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  5. ↑ "Halifax appoint Little". BBC Sport. 12 October 2001. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  6. ↑ "Halifax look to Redfearn". BBC Sport. 4 March 2002. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  7. ↑ "Halifax in squad clear-out". BBC Sport. 25 April 2002. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  8. ↑ "Redfearn signs for Boston". BBC Sport. 29 July 2002. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  9. ↑ "Dale seal Redfearn deal". BBC Sport. 19 March 2004. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  10. ↑ "Eight to leave Rochdale". BBC Sport. 10 May 2004. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  11. ↑ "Coaching staff". Leeds United A.F.C. 30 July 2008. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  12. ↑ "Redfearn commits – Henry next?". Non-League Daily. 1 April 2005. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  13. ↑ "Scarborough boss Henry departs". BBC Sport. 24 October 2005. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  14. ↑ "Boro appoint Redfearn". Non-League Daily. 1 November 2005. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  15. ↑ "Redfearn wants to carry on playing". Non-League Daily. 28 October 2005. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  16. ↑ "Redfearn quits Boro". Non-League Daily. 6 July 2006. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  17. ↑ "Park Avenue seal Redfearn deal". Non-League Daily. 29 July 2006. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  18. ↑ May, John (3 November 2006). "Redfearn's millennium roam". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  19. ↑ "Redfearn makes Steels switch". Non-League Daily. 12 March 2007. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  20. ↑ "Vics appoint Redfearn as new boss". BBC Sport. 19 June 2007. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  21. ↑ "Northwich boss Redfearn resigns". BBC Sport. 17 September 2007. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  22. ↑ Simpson, Andrew (22 September 2007). "Redfearn dusts down his boots". Northwich Guardian. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  23. ↑ "Redfearn Joins Unibond Side". Halifax Town A.F.C. 5 November 2007. Retrieved 5 February 2008.
  24. ↑ "Ainsworth Goes Up in World". Halifax Town A.F.C. 5 January 2008. Retrieved 3 March 2008.
  25. ↑ "Redfearn lands City role". The Press (York). 5 February 2008. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  26. ↑ Booth, Mel (22 July 2008). "Redfearn signs for Emley in big coup". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Retrieved 25 July 2008.
  27. ↑ "Berry wastes no time". Non-League Daily. 27 October 2008. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  28. ↑ "Manager Walker leaves York City". BBC Sport. 21 November 2008. Retrieved 21 November 2008.
  29. ↑ "York 2–2 Crawley". BBC Sport. 23 November 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  30. ↑ "Neil Redfearn appointed York City assistant manager". The Press. 24 November 2008. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  31. ↑ "Porter named as assistant at York". BBC Sport. 30 December 2008. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
  32. ↑ "Leeds appoint Redfearn to academy". BBC Sport. 31 December 2008. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  33. ↑ "Leeds United aim to name new youth boss soon". Yorkshire Evening Post (Leeds). 1 December 2010. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
  34. ↑ "Simon Grayson sacked as manager by Leeds United". BBC Sport. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  35. ↑ "Redders given extended period – Chairman". Leeds United A.F.C. 8 February 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  36. ↑ "Neil Warnock appointed Leeds United manager". BBC Sport. 18 February 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  37. ↑ Neil Warnock 'parts company' with Leeds United
  38. ↑ Match report: Charlton 2–1 Leeds
  39. ↑ "Academy lads praised for achievement...". Leeds United A.F.C. 25 April 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  40. ↑ "CLUB STATEMENT: DAVID HOCKADAY". Leeds United. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
  41. ↑ https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/505055655783583744
  42. ↑ "Leeds Vs Bolton Wanderers". Leeds United Official Site. 30 August 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
  43. ↑ "UNITED TAKE DERBY DAY SPOILS". Leeds United Official Site. 20 September 2014.
  44. ↑ "UNITED CONFIRM DARKO MILANIC". Leeds United A.F.C. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  45. ↑ "UNITED CONFIRM DARKO MILANIC". Leeds United Official Website. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  46. ↑ "Cellino: Neil Redfearn is the new head coach, 100 per cent". HITC. 25 October 2015.
  47. ↑ "Neil Redfearn to be confirmed as new Leeds United manager". Squawka News. 25 October 2014.
  48. ↑ "Leeds United: Redders happy to take over". Yorkshire Evening Post.
  49. ↑ "Leeds United: Redfearn agrees to be new boss". Yorkshire Evening Post.
  50. ↑ "Neil Redfearn appointed as Leeds United head coach". BBC Sport.
  51. ↑ "Leeds United suspend assistant manager Steve Thompson". The Guardian (The Guardian). 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  52. ↑ "Leeds United: Redfearn put under pressure not to play Antenucci UPDATEDurl=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-redfearn-put-under-pressure-not-to-play-antenucci-updated-1-7191343". Yorkshire Evening Post. 2 April 2015.
  53. ↑ "Dave Edwards headed home a late winner as Wolves beat Leeds". BBC Sport. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
  54. ↑ "Keep young stars, Redfearn challenges Leeds". Yorkshire Evening Post. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  55. ↑ "Leeds United: Fan Neil is ready to step into the breach". Yorkshire Evening Post. 28 October 2014.
  56. ↑ "England & Wales marriages 1837–2008 Transcription". Neil D Redfearn. Marriage quarter: 2. Marriage year: 1985. District: Dewsbury. County: Yorkshire. Volume: 4. Page: 1003. Retrieved 16 December 2014 – via Findmypast. (subscription required (help)).
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3 57.4 57.5 "Neil Redfearn". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  58. ↑ "Results/Matches: 2005/06". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  59. ↑ Williams, Mike; Williams, Tony, eds. (2008). Non-League Club Directory 2009. Tony Williams Publications. p. 112. ISBN 978-1-869833-59-6.
  60. ↑ "Neil Warnock 'parts company' with Leeds United". BBC Sport. 1 April 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  61. ↑ "Results/Matches: 2014/15". Soccerbase. Retrieved 6 March 2015.

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