If Cellino backs Redfearn, next season could be our chance

For Leeds United to have a chance of promotion next season there’s definitely a lot (and I mean a lot) of off-the-field matters that need to be taken care of. But playing wise, we need to be ready too. Neil Redfearn has done a terrific job in grinding the season out and if he can keep it going into pre-season it can only increase our chances.

Our team has showed a very important desire to win over the past few months, we’ve been able to play teams more capable than ourselves but still come away with all three points. In my opinion, that’s what getting out of the Championship is all about. As Redfearn said, when you get beat you get back up again and win the next game, just like Bournemouth have done all season.

When Darko Milanic was in charge, we were definitely one of the best attacking teams (in glimpses), with players like Adryan, Antenucci and Doukara playing some nice football, but it was clear to see that we weren’t strong enough and we were too easily dragged out of position and punished by the opposition. We battered teams in the first half but for some reason or another we sat back in the second and waited for the other team to score.

Darko didn’t realise our lack in experience, but Neil Redfearn did. Along with Thompson, Neil visualised that in order for us to survive we needed to bring in players who know the league, have played in the country before and know what it takes to play for Leeds United. The rejuvenation of players like Wootton and Murphy and the return of big Steve Morison gave our team that much needed competitiveness - and it saved us.

I would imagine that Redfearn doesn't want us to be a gritty team next season but the qualities he has taught this group are invaluable. We just need to sharpen up at the back and increase our striking capabilities and we won't be too far off.

Football’s all about finding the right balance, especially in a tightly packed league like the Championship. We’ve already found our competitive side which in an ideal world makes this pre-season a lot easier for Redfearn than it’s ever been for most of our recent managers.

This summer, there is no need for a major influx, we only need 4/5 players to help gel the group. We need more technically gifted players who can fit right in with the philosophy we have at the minute. That’s why it’s ever so important that the man who set us up for next season is the man that continues to build the team.

Cellino must stick with Redfearn and keep his own nose out of the team affairs

. Redfearn has set an example of himself, he’s been nominated twice for manager of the month over the past three months and there’s absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t be awarded with a contract.

Let’s pray that we can go into pre-season and let Redfearn find the perfect 4 or 5 to finish the team he started.