Leeds United owner and president Massimo Cellino has struck an ominous note on the future of head coach Neil Redfearn.
Cellino is currently banned from running Leeds as he is serving a Football League sanction. However, the ban expires in May and he is expected to return to Elland Road with his eyes on equipping the side to challenge for promotion to the Premier League next season.
The Italian businessman appointed Redfearn permanent head coach earlier this season after sacking two prior head coaches, David Hockaday and Darko Milanic.
But despite Redfearn meeting Cellino's required target of keeping Leeds in the Championship, he has not been confirmed in his post for next season and the president says he must think about what is in the club's best interests.
He told journalist Simon Austin: "My dream was always to think of Neil Redfearn.
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"People forget, when I first came in, after just 24 hours, I put him on the bench. I liked him and believed in him straight away.
"Then I put him in charge of the team. I loved him and we talked every day.
"And he helped me a lot, of course. And I appreciate that. And I thank God that we stayed in the Championship.
"But when I come back, I have to make a choice. I have to decide what is best for the club."
Leeds must inform Redfearn whether they wish to activate a year's extension to his contract before the club's final game of the season against Rotherham on 2nd May.
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