Redfearn is the man for Leeds, insists Howson

MUTUAL RESPECT: Norwich midfielder Jonny Howson opted not to celebrate his goal against former club Leeds, and United fans applauded him.

The Elland Road head coach’s future has been shrouded in doubt since assistant Steve Thompson was suspended by the Championship club just before Easter.

Redfearn, whose deal runs out in the summer, was left stunned by the decision and he is yet to hear whether the United hierarchy want to retain his services beyond the end of the season.

United’s supporters clearly want the 49-year-old to stay, Redfearn’s name having been sung along with that of Thompson during Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at home to Norwich City.

And Howson, the scorer of the first goal in the Canaries’ victory, has added his backing to the clamour for the former Academy chief to stay.

“I know Redders from my time here and have only good things to say about him,” said Howson, a former Leeds captain, to The Yorkshire Post.

“Since leaving, I have continued to look out for what is happening at Leeds and how things are going.

“There are good young lads in that team. Good players in their own right. They are not just thrown in there, either.

“They have talent and real potential. They could be very good if things are done right. Just look at the team that played us.

“It is maybe going to be a big summer for them. But, if they can kick on, I am sure there are some promising years ahead.

“For these young lads, Redders is a big influence. I spoke to a couple of the lads after the game and they speak very highly of him.

“There isn’t a better man to manage a young side like this. He will educate them and bring them on. If they can stick together, I am sure it can be very exciting times ahead for Leeds.”

Howson left United in January, 2012, to join Norwich just a few months before his contract was set to expire.

His departure was one of several high-profile exits that left fans angry and frustrated.

Those same supporters are now hoping that Leeds can now buck the trend of those years in the coming summer and hold on to the likes of Alex Mowatt, Sam Byram and Lewis Cook.

Asked if he felt anything had changed from his own time at Elland Road, Howson added: “It is a little bit like things haven’t changed.

“From my time and also since I have left, there always seems to be something going on with Leeds United.

“But, there is potential here now and if the club can settle down, they have someone in charge who can take them forward.”

Howson notably failed to celebrate either his goal on Tuesday night or the awarding of a penalty in the first half for a foul on him by Liam Cooper.

Both were done out of respect for a club where he made 225 appearances. The feeling was also mutual, with the Gelderd End applauding their former captain at the end of the match.

“When you are out on the pitch,” said Howson, “you concentrate on playing the game rather than anything else. And when things happen, it is in a split second.

“You don’t mean to do certain things. But, with regards to the goal, a few had asked me before the game if I would celebrate and I said ‘no’.

“I have a lot of close friends and family that are still involved or work for the club. I wanted to respect them.

“Also, I enjoyed my time here. The majority of my life was at Leeds and I had many great times.

“Even when we played at Carrow Road (in October’s 1-1 draw), I went over to the Leeds fans and the reaction they gave me was very special.

“A bit emotional for me as well. I felt like I didn’t leave on bad terms but, I suppose, you never really know if that is true.

“Some people’s reactions can be different. But I really appreciated the reaction (on Tuesday night). It was a nice touch and I appreciate that.”

Howson, meanwhile, is eyeing a return to the Premier League after the win at Elland Road kept Norwich in the automatic promotion places.

He added: “On a personal level, I left to go play in the Premier League. We have had a setback from that but things are going quite well.

“We have three massive games now and a chance to win promotion. Hopefully, we can do it and with regards Leeds maybe since I left it has been up and down.

“But there is potential here. I want to see Leeds do well. I still have Leeds in my heart. I spent a lot of great years here, this is where I grew up.

“Sometimes, when you see the young lads come through, you know how it feels. It is a great achievement to play for this club and, hopefully, they can have success.”