Neil Redfearn has revealed that Leeds United missed out on four quality signings due to his departure from the club.
The 50-year-old, who was the Whites’ academy head, took charge of the first team in October 2014, following the sacking of Darko Milanic.
However, Redfearn was relieved of his duties in May the following year and was due to return to his role with the academy. Such a return never materialised though and he left Elland Road.
The former Rotherham United manager insisted that he contacted Burnley’s Joey Barton, Derby County defender Jason Shackell, Queens Park Rangers forward Matty Phillips and Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam over possible moves to Elland Road in the summer.
Although the quartet showed interest in joining Leeds, the moves did not materialise as Redfearn was replaced by Uwe Rosler at the start of the season.
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“I was consulted at the end of the season by Andrew Umbers about possible signings and additions to the side. I came up with a list”, he told Radio Yorkshire.
“People like Joey Barton and Jason Shackell and Matty Phillips, you know, all good players. Adam as well, who Thommo [Steve Thompson, my assistant] knew, from Stoke City, Charlie Adam.
“These were all players that were interested. At that time we contacted them through different sources.
“They were genuinely interested in coming to play for Leeds United, which is not difficult to sell, because it’s a top club.”
After his spell at Leeds, Redfearn was appointed by fellow Championship outfit Rotherham in October 2015, but the Millers sacked him earlier in the month, owing to their poor performances in the league.
