Ex-Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn could soon make a shock return to Championship management with his former club Barnsley.
That’s according to The Sunday Mirror (17/10, p74), who claim that pressure is growing on coach Markus School.
The Tykes lost 1-0 at Reading on Saturday, meaning they have lost four in a row. Barnsley have managed just one goal in that time.
Austrian Schopp has claimed just one league win since replacing Valerian Ismael this summer.
With Barnsley struggling in the Championship, Schopp could end up losing his job.
Redfearn to Barnsley seems unlikely
The report claims that Barnsley could turn to Redfearn to take over if Schopp goes.
Redfearn is a Barnsley legend from his playing days. He racked up 338 games for the club, scoring 84 times.
Redfearn heading back to Oakwell would be an emotional move, but does it really make sense?
The 56-year-old did okay in his time at Leeds United, but has limited success since. His time at Rotherham United didn’t last long, and he then turned to women’s football with Doncaster Rovers Belles and Liverpool Women.
After heading back to men’s football with Newcastle United Under-23’s in 2019, Redfearn is again managing in women’s football with Sheffield United.
Does that recent track record lend itself to Championship management?
Barnsley’s recent moves have been focused around Austria or at least Europe. Daniel Stendel, Gerhard Struber, Ismael and Schopp have all been additions from the continent.
Going to Redfearn suggests a complete change of approach from Barnsley, and even if he is a club legend, it just doesn’t seem worth the risk to go for Redfearn.
Schopp may well go, but ex-Leeds man Redfearn shouldn’t necessarily be a top priority for Barnsley.
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