Leeds United ‘biggest sleeping giant in football’ - Thompson
Yorkshire Evening Post 18/12/14
by Lee Sobot
NEW assistant coach Steve Thompson described Leeds United as the biggest sleeping giant in football as he outlined a plan for Whites players to make “life-changing money” with elevation to the Premier League.
Former Huddersfield Town first team coach Thompson was finally confirmed as Neil Redfearn’s assistant coach on Thursday, ending weeks of speculation in time for Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
And while Leeds sit only 19th in the Championship table and just five points off the drop zone - Thompson is in no doubt whatsoever as to where the Whites belong.
Thompson, 50, knows United have no divine right to dine back at English football’s top table and the new Whites assistant said it was important to set “realistic targets”, especially for a young side.
Yet there is no denying where Thompson sees Leeds United’s long term future with the former midfielder saying he is honoured to become the club’s new assistant, desperately hoping that long term he can help United back to the Premier.
Thompson told the YEP: “Leeds are the original sleeping giant.
“People mention it about other clubs and all that but this is the one with the support.
“They get fantastic support, you’ve got a chairman that is hopefully going to back us and we’ve got these young lads coming through as well.
“We want the players to make life changing money and hopefully it’s with Leeds.
“From what I have seen today you have got some fantastic ability out there.
“When Leeds and Neil showed an interest, it’s a fantastic opportunity for me.
“When someone wants you - and it’s Leeds United - it’s just a great opportunity to work for this fantastic club.”
Hailing the appointment of his new number two, who helped Blackpool to promotion to the Premier as coach, Redfearn said: “It’s great news for me, great news for the club, and the club have done it in the right way.
“He knows this division, he knows how to get promoted out of it and he’s come at the right time for us.”
by Lee Sobot
NEW assistant coach Steve Thompson described Leeds United as the biggest sleeping giant in football as he outlined a plan for Whites players to make “life-changing money” with elevation to the Premier League.
Former Huddersfield Town first team coach Thompson was finally confirmed as Neil Redfearn’s assistant coach on Thursday, ending weeks of speculation in time for Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
And while Leeds sit only 19th in the Championship table and just five points off the drop zone - Thompson is in no doubt whatsoever as to where the Whites belong.
Thompson, 50, knows United have no divine right to dine back at English football’s top table and the new Whites assistant said it was important to set “realistic targets”, especially for a young side.
Yet there is no denying where Thompson sees Leeds United’s long term future with the former midfielder saying he is honoured to become the club’s new assistant, desperately hoping that long term he can help United back to the Premier.
Thompson told the YEP: “Leeds are the original sleeping giant.
“People mention it about other clubs and all that but this is the one with the support.
“They get fantastic support, you’ve got a chairman that is hopefully going to back us and we’ve got these young lads coming through as well.
“We want the players to make life changing money and hopefully it’s with Leeds.
“From what I have seen today you have got some fantastic ability out there.
“When Leeds and Neil showed an interest, it’s a fantastic opportunity for me.
“When someone wants you - and it’s Leeds United - it’s just a great opportunity to work for this fantastic club.”
Hailing the appointment of his new number two, who helped Blackpool to promotion to the Premier as coach, Redfearn said: “It’s great news for me, great news for the club, and the club have done it in the right way.
“He knows this division, he knows how to get promoted out of it and he’s come at the right time for us.”