Leeds players have performed like a Russell Crowe gladiator - Redfearn

Gladiator star Crowe is thought to be interested in purchasing the football club as the Whites prepare for Saturday’s Championship visit of sixth-placed Watford, with the actor asking if it would be “a good idea” to buy Leeds’ on social media.

However, Redfearn insists United’s currently banned owner Massimo Cellino is here for the “long haul” and highlighted United’s players as the principal link with one of Crowe’s most famous films.

United’s head coach says his players have been gladiatorial in taking the Whites from being on the periphery of the Championship’s dropzone to ten points clear of third-bottom Millwall.

Tuesday night’s disappointing 2-0 loss at Brighton halted a run that had taken United top of the division’s form table but Redfearn says his players remain “upbeat” and ready to resume a battle-hardened approach akin to Crowe’s 2000 blockbuster.

Leeds also welcome third-placed Ipswich Town next Wednesday and asked about Crowe’s apparent interest in Leeds, Redfearn replied “I don’t know anything about it if I’m honest.

“It’s the players that have performed like gladiators lately.

“We’ve got an owner and from the previous conversations I have had him before his suspension he is all for what we’re doing and he’s here for the long run.

“That’s as much as I know to be honest.

“I think the players are more interested in what they are doing week to week, game to game.

“They’ve got the bit between their teeth with regards the season and they know we are in a far far better position.

“I think they are really together which I think is really obvious and I think it’s quite visible as well in games where you can see that togetherness.

“They are concentrating on the football which they should be doing.

“Focusing on the Brighton game, three days earlier we were beating the top of the league away from home.

“We’re upbeat, we’re not downbeat, but we’re not infallible and we’re capable of being beaten like anybody else.

“As regards these next two games they are great games for us because they are two sides that have done really, really well this season.

“They are both up there challenging but we want to keep our season going.

“We’re at home and we want a performance for our supporters because at this moment in time our supporters are getting used to us winning which is what we want.”