Neil Redfearn: Leeds United coach resigns from academy position

Neil Redfearn joined Leeds' academy in January 2009

Former Leeds head coach Neil Redfearn has resigned as academy boss, claiming the club made his position "untenable".

Redfearn, 49, was replaced as the Championship side's boss by Uwe Rosler in May.

He accepted the offer to return to his previous role with the club's academy but said in a statement that "the offer was not genuine" and the club "refused to let him take up the position".

Leeds have told BBC Radio Leeds they are not planning to issue a statement.

Redfearn said: "I would, however, like to place on record my thanks to everyone connected with the first team, including the fans, for making last season both productive and beneficial after a difficult start.

"Very importantly I would like to pay a special tribute to the academy where I proudly worked along with others for the best part of six years.

"I would like to wish Uwe Rosler and his staff and players every success for next season and beyond so that Leeds can back to the Premier League very soon.

"Last, but not least, I wish to thank the fans for their unstinting support both during my time at the academy and whilst in charge of the first team."

The former Barnsley midfielder initially joined the club's academy in January 2009 and spent time in caretaker charge in September 2014 before being appointed head coach in November.

He won 11 of his 33 matches at the helm but it always seemed likely that he would not retain the position beyond the end of the season after his assistant Steve Thompson was suspended in April.

Thompson has since left the club for Preston.