Leeds United: Massimo Cellino stopped club signing Charlie Adam and Joey Barton says Neil Redfearn

Charlie Adam and Joey Barton were among the players Leeds United decided against signing during Neil Redfearn's spell in charge of the West Yorkshire club. The 50-year-old took charge of 33 matches during his time at the helm, the most of any boss under the ownership of Italian Massimo Cellino, but admits he had little influence over the club's transfer targets.

Redfearn was put in caretaker charge after the exit of David Hockaday before being handed the reins on a permanent basis until the end of the 2014/15; however his exit was bathed in farce after talks with his eventual successor Uwe Rosler began before his confirmed departure. The Dewsbury-born coach helped the Whites stay clear of relegation, but was unceremoniously dumped by Cellino.

But prior to his departure, one of five managers dismissed by oddball Cellino in his 22-month reign as Leeds owner, Redfearn says he suggested a number of signings that he had been personally assured were interested in a move to Elland Road. Stoke's Adam and former England midfielder Barton were among them, but Redfearn says his recommendations were never followed up.

"The recruitment side was taken out of my hands," he told Yorkshire Radio. "I was consulted about players coming in and what would be good and what might not be good but by and large players were brought in my Nicola Salerno. Some were good, some were not so good I think that is fair to say. And I was basically employed as a coach. My title said head coach.

"I was consulted at the end of the season by [former Leeds chairman] Andrew Umbers about possible signings and additions to the side. I came up with a list. People like Joey Barton and Jason Shackell and Matty Phillips that was at QPR, you know, all good players. Adam as well, who Thommo [Steve Thompson, his assistant] knew, from Stoke City, Charlie Adam.

"These were all players that were interested at that time we contacted them through different sources. They were genuinely interested in coming to play for Leeds United, which is not difficult to sell, because it's a top club."