A group of Leeds United supporters have been discussing a recent Twitter post from former boss Neil Redfearn. The 54-year-old shared an image of him deep in discussion with some of his players during his time at Elland Road with the caption ‘ALAW’ – All Leeds Are We.
Redfearn never played for the Whites as a player, though the former midfielder did, however, represent Barnsley as a professional, another Yorkshire-based club. His relationship with the Whites comes from his time at Elland Road as caretaker manager, assistant manager and manager.
He was first appointed as caretaker boss in February 2012 after previously serving as the Under-18s and reserve team manager (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk). Redfearn had three spells as the first team’s caretaker boss as well as serving as the assistant to Brian McDermott, Dave Hockaday, Nigel Gibbs and Darko Milanic.
Here is how some of the fans responded to his post.
Always ??
— Super Leeds (@shez_dictates) May 31, 2020
Nice one Redders ???
— Michael Hamilton (@Michael17314770) May 31, 2020
Always been a big fan of NR and have respect for what he did at Leeds. It was heartbreaking what happened to the management team with Thompsom being sacked before the Blackburn game in Easter 2015, and then the sick note six.
— Canada (@therealbh3) May 31, 2020
The irony for me is he was doing ok-ish, but made so much worse by being back stabbed and undermined.
Ideally given funds, but just given support would have been a start.
Always has my respect anyways, and shame him and Lucy were completed shafted— Sam (@samuelsibeko) May 31, 2020
Redfearn was given the opportunity to manage the first team in November 2011. He took charge of 33 matches, winning 11, drawing seven and losing 15 (via Transfermarkt.co.uk). However, he was sacked just 221 days after taking charge and was famously involved in a heated disagreement with the club’s then-owner Massimo Cellino after he claimed the former Barnsley player had turned the fans against him (as per the Mirror).
Do you think Neil Redfearn was treated unfairly by the club?
Yes
No
While fans poured in with kind words for Redfearn, a couple of fans, in particular, decided to give the image posted a caption of its own.
So listen Liam agrees with me … it’s tea bag , boiling water ,then milk and never milk, tea ten boiling water …u got that?
— ST (@Yorkshire77) May 31, 2020
I’m gonna make Liam captain because he keeps cleaning up your mess, and he’s gone be a top captain one day!
Was the FA cup away at Boro your first game as skipper @LiamCooper__ ?
— Richard Brownridge (@rbrownridge88) May 31, 2020
A few fans even mentioned how painful the image was.
Painfull that redders
— Lee stennett (@lee_leestenn) May 31, 2020
That stings…
— nt are (@antclare78) May 31, 2020
It’s clear that the fans still hold their former manager in high regard and that Redfearn remembers his time with the club fondly himself. He went on to manage Rotherham United after his dismissal at Leeds, which was followed by a role in women’s football and some time at Newcastle United with their Under-23s (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk).