Typical of this shambles of a club that not even an hour after a brilliant press conference from Leeds Fans LLP a classic meltdown ensued. While fans were feverishly favouriting mutual support of fan ownership, the megalomaniacs at board level had plans to derail the entire club.

Without warning, without obvious provocation and without sensible justification, assistant coach Steve Thompson was suspended with immediate effect. This was more than a disciplinary action, as word circulated that his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season – this was a sacking.

Much like the shambles that Brian McDermott stepped into post sacking, Neil Redfearn walked into the Blackburn press conference woefully ill-equipped to answer the questions thrown at him. He did a superb job in difficult circumstances, but it was apparent that Neil was completely in the dark. He repeatedly cited the enormous contribution “Thommo” made to the club and the statistics support this. Steve’s addition to the back-room staff were transformative, or at least the effect on the pitch seemed to be.

The fact that Redders suddenly had help, a peer to bounce ideas off and someone to share the workload. Where Leeds were struggling to keep their heads above water, gasping for every point like it might be our last, post-Thommo we seemed more assured. Steve managed to “fix” Luke Murphy for one, and many of the players cited him as a positive influence. To lose this important character shows appalling mismanagement.

“I’d rather earn £10 my way than £100 yours”

Or at least that’s the feeling I get from our owners (I’m avoiding citing Cellino specifically because he’s supposedly banned, but it’d be ridiculous to assume the actions are anyone’s but his). I don’t see any rationale for suspending a man who was performing very well in his role. Unless it turns out he’s assaulted someone in a Clarkson-esque way, I’m really not sure on what basis he’d lose his position.

Especially when Redders is totally blind to whatever has happened. Neil stated in the press conference that Nicola Salerno was the signature on Thommo’s letter, which seems strange considering I wouldn’t expect him to have that authority. As it stands, I’d only expect Andrew “the puppet” Umbers to be able to enforce such a move, but things are never as they seem at Leeds.

Redders to leave?

With bookies slashing odds on our very own Redders to walk away, the club has been suddenly cast into turmoil. He cut a dejected figure in the press conference, understandably expressing that he felt undermined and I expect that was a very deliberate ploy from the club. I just don’t understand why.

I’ve been pretty clear in my support of Redders and the academy vision, in that if we had £10bn I’d still keep him and the current vision going. I believe in it, a lot of us do, and the owners are trying to destroy it for their own selfish means.

Leeds’ best chance of being promoted comes from within, from the players we have trained, nurtured and selected over the past decade. Neil Redfearn has been leading this side of the club for 6 years and is the best man to lead us forward under this vision. Creating a climate where his position is untenable throws the club into familiar chaos once again.

Contracts, kids and Premiership buyers

Lewis Cook specifically cited Massimo’s ownership situation as a barrier for him signing an updated contract. In players like Cook, Mowatt and Byram we have talent above our level. It’s hardly a leap to expect Premiership teams to come in for them but I was confident of us retaining important youngsters under Redders. They buy into his leadership, into his vision and the fact that anyone can play in the first team if they’re good enough.

With Dawson, Phillips, Walters (etc) coming through, it’s an exciting time. Or it was when I felt we’d have a head-coach/manager who would nurture and utilise the talent coming through. Let’s not forget that Dave Hockaday was prepared to sell Alex Mowatt, arguably our player of the season. It’s hard to imagine a non-Redders manager giving Cook games ahead of Bianchi, which we know to be the right decision.

I’m not confident of the club retaining talented young players without Neil Redfearn, but for some reason the owners are doing everything they can to alienate him. Specifically by removing his key partner and ally they weaken his position at the club. I sense they’re trying to force him out, I just don’t have any understanding of why.

I sense it is that time-old mantra of “I’d rather get £10 my way than £100 yours”. If I was being cynical I’d suggest that our troubled owners dislike the fact that Redders has been playing (and winning) with academy products rather than the myriad of imported players. It’ll be those imported players causing fuss. I’m led to believe that Cellino considers Thompson responsible for the change in formation and personnel that rendered a lot of his signings and instructions moot. Be damned, then, that through that change came league-topping form and safety.

Or at least that’d make sense if he weren’t consistently playing Bamba and Silvestri, whilst giving Antenucci games. Hell, it came out today that he’s been specifically instructed not to play Antenucci due to a bonus in his contract should he reach 12 goals for the season. That’ll be a contract Salerno negotiated too.

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING makes sense here. If Redders leaves and we start losing key players I might just start supporting Preston. At least they have Larry.

Bloody hell. Hold me.