Neil Redfearn makes desperate plea to Massimo Cellino over Leeds United future

Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn has offered the clearest indication yet that he is ready to stay at Elland Road beyond the end of the season after making a desperate plea to owner Massimo Cellino.

Redfearn has been given no guarantees over his future but admitted last week he would consider his position in the wake of the removal of assistant head coach Steve Thompson, whose contract will not be renewed having been suspended until the end of the season.

But Redfearn has staged a U-turn over his future by seemingly committing to Leeds for the long-term, and has attempted to convince Cellino – who is banned from influencing operations in West Yorkshire – that the club are making progress.

"I can see things coming together," he added. "On the pitch and on the training ground, I can see these young lads blending and finding their feet.

"I can see the seniors buying into the philosophy of what we are trying to achieve and I can see the overseas lads integrating.

"I can see that they are finding their feet in the Championship and what's expected. And I can see it getting better and better. I'm tough enough to deal with being in charge of Leeds United.

"I think that's important and I think people are perhaps seeing that. I also know that it's a great club that is just starting to get to its feet and I think perhaps the football world are realising that.

"For the first time in a long time, this club is together on the pitch and in the stands.

"For me, you want to be about it because you want to be involved with something that's going to be successful and I honestly believe that this football club in the next couple of seasons can be really successful."

Cellino has confirmed the departure of sporting director Nicola Salerno after the Italian resigned on Wednesday 8 April in the wake of the unpopular exit of Thompson.

Redfearn has though refrained from confirming the departure of Salerno and is instead focused on footballing matters ahead of the final five games of the regular season.

"I don't want to start talking about all that," added the Leeds boss. "I've stated that it's important that I finish the season off for the club and the players. I've then got to sit down with the powers that be and discuss it.

"I haven't seen Nicola since the beginning of last week. I couldn't comment.

"The important thing is the football club because we've done well to get ourselves out of trouble. What we don't want to do is let the season fizzle out after all the effort the players have put in.

"It's important that the club's in a good position at the start of next season."