Naylor to assist Redders until new boss is found‏

By Russ Vernon

Leeds United have today announced that former promotion winning captain Richard Naylor will assist caretaker manager Neil Redfearn for the remainder of the season.
 
A statement on the clubs official website read:
"The club’s caretaker manager Neil Redfearn will be assisted by promotion winning captain Richard Naylor."
 
Naylor has guided the Under-18s to their divisional title this season – five of the team have signed professional contracts with the club – and the club’s ex-skipper has enjoyed a successful baptism to his coaching career. Redfearn, whose last stint as caretaker manager produced two wins from four games, the two defeats coming courtesy of last minute goals, has been appointed caretaker manager on a short-term basis while the club seeks to conclude a permanent appointment.

“Richard will be working with us,” said the caretaker boss. “He’s an experienced professional who is right at the start of his coaching career and qualifications. Richard is the captain that got us up last time and he understands the club. We’ve worked really well together this year and I’ve really enjoyed working with him. He’s one of two or three former players I’ve been looking to get involved in terms of coaching. While the Academy is about developing our own young players, I’m keen to develop our own coaches as well. Richard knows how I work and understands how I work, and this will do him good. Hopefully he will look back on this – even if it’s only just the one game at Charlton on Saturday – and will be able to draw on the experience for his coaching career.”

With Naylor helping Redfearn with first team duties, defender Leigh Bromby will be caretaker manager of the United’s Under 18s for the remainder of the season.

Having been sidelined for almost 12 months due to a serious knee injury suffered at Cardiff in the penultimate game of last season, the central defender has spent his time out working on coaching qualifications and gaining experience in working with young players.

In the short-term, Leigh will now step up to work alongside Chris Coates with the Under-18s as they prepare for the end of season Play-Offs to determine the overall league champions.

“Leigh is still young but he has played at a good level and is looking to develop his coaching,” said the club’s caretaker manager, who is also responsible for the Academy coaching and player development. “Ideally you want someone who is qualified, but understands playing as well. I’ve spoken to Leigh a lot over the past year and done a lot with him, and he has the right temperament. I think he will be good for Chris and vice versa. Chris has been good for Nayls this season. They’ve both worked very hard and have worked close together, and I think he will be good for Leigh. The next few days or weeks will be good experience for all these lads.”

---