Boss who is ready to unleash some girl power LADIES’ MAN!
FOOTBALL Redfearn relishing challenge of taking over Doncaster Belles
NEIL REDFEARN has no regrets about crossing the great divide into women’s football, saying: ‘I’m simply moulding elite players’.
Doncaster Belles’ new manager does not see any issue after becoming the first high- profile ex-boss from the professional men’s game to make the switch.
The ex-Leeds United chief, 52, has been on the outside, looking in, as he waited for the men’s game to take a chance on him.
After leaving Rotherham last season, Redfearn looked for a different challenge. And he has certainly found one.
He said: “I didn’t have any reservations. Women’s football is on a real upwards curve.
“There’s some really talented young players out there and there is a growing interest. It is catching the public’s imagination.
“The international side is doing well and that is helping fuel it.
“It’s a different step on my coaching journey – but that’s not a problem for me.
“I have built up all manner of experiences over the years and we can add this one to the list.
“People might ask what I know about the women’s game. I know about football. I’m learning about the women’s game.
“They might also ask if my experience is relevant – well, everything I have done in the game is relevant.
“I was working with elite players at Leeds. I’m now working with elite players at Doncaster Belles. I believe the skills are transferable. And I’m here to make a difference.”
The ex- Barnsley, Bradford and Charlton midfielder amassed more than 1,000 appearances during a lengthy playing career.
Benefit
But it was in an eight-year spell with Elland Road’s youngsters – when he brought through players including Sam Byram, Lewis Cook and Charlie Taylor – that he excelled.
All three made it to the Premier League – although Leeds haven’t yet.
After a stint as boss in his own right – a move that clearly whetted the appetite – he wanted another crack at standing in the dugout after a spell at Rotherham United.
He added: “I have been out for 18 months and I’ve missed working on the grass. I would like to think I’m a tracksuit manager and that is where I hope to benefit the Belles. I did my best work at Leeds bringing the kids through and around the first-team and if I can do that again I hope we will all be better for it.
“What I’ve found so far is that it isn’t so much men versus women. It’s learning – and I have to say women take things on board more quickly.
“A lot of what goes on in the fulltime men’s game is maintenance. You are making sure they are matchfit. Then you are making sure they are preparing tactically for the game.
“But t here’s no t i me f or development. No space – unless there is an international break. Technically, the girls are far more gifted than they are given credit for.
“They look after themselves. They look after their diet. And what I have warmed to is the fact that they have open, inquisitive minds.
Knowledge
“It has been a real refreshing change, I must say.”
Phil Neville’s appointment as head coach of the England women’s game has led to his credentials being openly questioned. That position will be Neville’s first in management but Redfearn says that tapping into his knowledge will be important.
He added: “I like to get to know the person before the player. One of my old bosses at Leeds, Neil Warnock, is brilliant at it.
“He gets people to buy into him. He was doing it 35 years ago. That’s why he has been so successful.
“That’s why you try to create a pathway for players to improve.
“There will be an adjustment for Phil. But he’s had a long time in the game at a very high level. He has 50odd England caps.
“He has played in international tournaments and all the pressure that brings.
“Why would that experience not be relevant to an elite player? Irrespective of whether they are male or female.
“You know, I have high hopes for this. But as for the players – I just want to get the best out of them. And if I do that, I’ll be doing my job.”