Leeds United appoint Uwe Rosler to replace Neil Redfearn as manager

New Leeds United manager Uwe Rosler insists he will have full control regarding tactics and the club's policy in the transfer window after being appointed on a two-year deal to replace Neil Redfearn.

The former Wigan Athletic and Brentford boss becomes the fifth permanent manager during Massimo Cellino's ill-fated spell as owner at Elland Road, with the Italian taking a hands-on approach since joining the club in February 2014.

Despite steering the club away from relegation with an unbeaten five-match run in March, Redfearn has been removed as manager but has been offered a role back with the Leeds academy.

"It's a great football club with great potential," Rosler said as he was unveiled as Leeds boss. "All of us together can make this a force. We have a core of players with their best years in front of them. It's a very exciting time. Life is a challenge and I know what I'm getting myself into.

"I'm head coach. I'll be responsible for tactical approach, picking the team. I'll have an input in who comes in and who goes out. Being head coach of Leeds United is the chance of a lifetime. It's important that I build relationships."

The arrival of Rosler follows the appointment of Adam Pearson as executive director, with the 50-year-old expected to liaise with both the new manager and Cellino going forward into the 2015-16 campaign.

Though Rosler was sacked during the season which saw Wigan relegated from the Championship, the German's stellar playing career is expected to assist him in beefing up a Leeds squad which is threatening to be dismantled after a harrowing campaign in the second tier.

"I've spent the last six months studying players," the 46-year-old said. "Neil Redfearn left a good base for me to build on. This club has to be ambitious but expectations have to be realistic. Mr Cellino made it clear he wants the building blocks put in place & the players improving. The aim is the Premier League. In certain areas we have the players (to play 4-3-3). In certain areas we need to add. But not massively."

Pearson added: "A coach of the calibre of Uwe wouldn't be here if he wasn't going to have an impact on signings. We will be employing a head of recruitment with specific experience in English football."