Leeds United: Whites have hit limit - Redfearn
Yorkshire Evening Post 15/4/15
Neil Redfearn admitted he had pushed his squad to the limit of their ability after former Leeds United captain Jonny Howson returned to haunt the club last night.
Howson’s 57th-minute strike – scored on his first appearance at Elland Road since leaving Leeds for Carrow Road in 2012 – set Norwich up for a 2-0 win and condemned United to a fourth straight defeat. Redfearn voiced satisfaction with an improved display after criticising the effort of his players in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Cardiff City but the Leeds head coach conceded that Norwich’s superior quality had shone through in the second half.
Graham Dorrans rounded off City’s win with a last-minute strike, leaving Alex Neil’s side second in the Championship and on the verge of automatic promotion with three games to play.
Redfearn, whose team remain in 15th place, said: “We’ve squeezed absolutely everything out of this group. It’s got a shelf-life and it takes you so far.
“The difference is apparent when you come up against a Norwich because they’ve got quality. If we’re going to get promoted out of this division then these are the people we’ve got to compete with.
“Good players cost money. I sound like a cracked record but some of these players at Norwich have got Premier League experience, never mind Championship experience. You can see the difference in a tight game with nothing in it.”
Leeds almost snatched a draw late on when Alex Mowatt forced a full-length save from Norwich keeper John Ruddy but City dominated the second half and Dorrans’ effort prompted wild celebrations in the away dug-out.
United have gone five games without a victory and Redfearn said: “I’m disappointed to get beat because results-wise we’re not on a good run. But we’re going to be a Championship side next year. I was really disappointed with how we played against Cardiff. The performance was far, far better but there’s a reason why Norwich are second.”
Neil Redfearn admitted he had pushed his squad to the limit of their ability after former Leeds United captain Jonny Howson returned to haunt the club last night.
Howson’s 57th-minute strike – scored on his first appearance at Elland Road since leaving Leeds for Carrow Road in 2012 – set Norwich up for a 2-0 win and condemned United to a fourth straight defeat. Redfearn voiced satisfaction with an improved display after criticising the effort of his players in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Cardiff City but the Leeds head coach conceded that Norwich’s superior quality had shone through in the second half.
Graham Dorrans rounded off City’s win with a last-minute strike, leaving Alex Neil’s side second in the Championship and on the verge of automatic promotion with three games to play.
Redfearn, whose team remain in 15th place, said: “We’ve squeezed absolutely everything out of this group. It’s got a shelf-life and it takes you so far.
“The difference is apparent when you come up against a Norwich because they’ve got quality. If we’re going to get promoted out of this division then these are the people we’ve got to compete with.
“Good players cost money. I sound like a cracked record but some of these players at Norwich have got Premier League experience, never mind Championship experience. You can see the difference in a tight game with nothing in it.”
Leeds almost snatched a draw late on when Alex Mowatt forced a full-length save from Norwich keeper John Ruddy but City dominated the second half and Dorrans’ effort prompted wild celebrations in the away dug-out.
United have gone five games without a victory and Redfearn said: “I’m disappointed to get beat because results-wise we’re not on a good run. But we’re going to be a Championship side next year. I was really disappointed with how we played against Cardiff. The performance was far, far better but there’s a reason why Norwich are second.”
