Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers: Redfearn refuses to discuss future as United see red in heavy defeat
Yorkshire Evening Post 4/4/15
Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn says he will not discuss his future at the club until after Monday’s game at Wolves.
The home supporters showed their support for Redfearn in the wake of assistant Steve Thompson being suspended this week but the Elland Road boss would not give any assurances over his own future.
Redfearn had said on Thursday that he would need to think long and hard about his own role at the club following the shock move to suspend Thompson but his only thoughts on Saturday were regarding the 3-0 defeat against Blackburn.
“The most important thing was for me to concentrate on this game and then Monday’s for the sake of the players and supporters,” he said. “The fans were brilliant today, as they have been all season. They appreciate what we have achieved.”
Midfielder Rudi Austin was shown a straight red card in the 39th minute and Rovers made their numerical advantage count through second half strikes from Tom Cairney, Jordan Rhodes and Jay Spearing.
It was an often ill-tempered affair with five yellow cards to go along with the red that was awarded to Austin after he raising an arm in a tangle with former Stoke and Leicester winger Ben Marshall.
But Redfearn was not happy about the red card, which was awarded by referee Gary Sutton after consulting his assistant.
“The red card changed the game,” he said. “I didn’t see it at the time but I have watched it back several times. We should appeal because it was a poor decision.
“Rudi pushed the lad in the chest with his forearm and the referee deemed it a red card. It was a big call on a linesman’s say-so and it was wrong.”
Blackburn manager Gary Bower praised his players for their attitude in what he always believed would be a difficult match.
“I thought we were excellent - very organised,” he said. “We handled the occasion well after what had gone on at Leeds during the days building up to the game. We knew the crowd would get behind them and they gave Neil Redfearn tremendous support, but we were ruthless, which was pleasing.”
Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn says he will not discuss his future at the club until after Monday’s game at Wolves.
The home supporters showed their support for Redfearn in the wake of assistant Steve Thompson being suspended this week but the Elland Road boss would not give any assurances over his own future.
Redfearn had said on Thursday that he would need to think long and hard about his own role at the club following the shock move to suspend Thompson but his only thoughts on Saturday were regarding the 3-0 defeat against Blackburn.
“The most important thing was for me to concentrate on this game and then Monday’s for the sake of the players and supporters,” he said. “The fans were brilliant today, as they have been all season. They appreciate what we have achieved.”
Midfielder Rudi Austin was shown a straight red card in the 39th minute and Rovers made their numerical advantage count through second half strikes from Tom Cairney, Jordan Rhodes and Jay Spearing.
It was an often ill-tempered affair with five yellow cards to go along with the red that was awarded to Austin after he raising an arm in a tangle with former Stoke and Leicester winger Ben Marshall.
But Redfearn was not happy about the red card, which was awarded by referee Gary Sutton after consulting his assistant.
“The red card changed the game,” he said. “I didn’t see it at the time but I have watched it back several times. We should appeal because it was a poor decision.
“Rudi pushed the lad in the chest with his forearm and the referee deemed it a red card. It was a big call on a linesman’s say-so and it was wrong.”
Blackburn manager Gary Bower praised his players for their attitude in what he always believed would be a difficult match.
“I thought we were excellent - very organised,” he said. “We handled the occasion well after what had gone on at Leeds during the days building up to the game. We knew the crowd would get behind them and they gave Neil Redfearn tremendous support, but we were ruthless, which was pleasing.”