United skipper Andy Lonergan is hoping to get Neil Redfearn's status as temporary manager off to a winning start on Saturday to give him a platform to build on.

Redfearn took over as temporary boss on Thursday, following the departure of Simon Grayson and his coaching staff, and no time-scale has been put any new or long-term appointment.

"Redders could be coaching us for 12 weeks or 12 hours we know that," said the skipper.

"There's a few names being bandied about, some of who the lads have played for, but the lads here would like to win and keep Redders here because we know him inside out.

"Bristol City's a tough place to go, but we're away from the pressure down there and hopefully we can pick up three points."

Redfearn took his first session as temporary manager with the first team squad on Thursday, and the focus was firmly on plugging the holes that saw Birmingham score four at Elland Road earlier in the week.

"We did a real tactical session," said the goalkeeper.

"He's watched us for most home games this season from up in the stand and he's seen what's gone on and he has his opinions.

"On Tuesday, Zigic may have been a big lad, but it was too easy for them, and we have to be more compact."

The former Preston goalkeeper was one of Grayson's summer signings, and while he admits he was surprised to learn of his manager's departure this week he says it wasn't wholly unexpected.

"I was probably the same as everyone in that I was surprised, but it wasn't unexpected," said the keeper. "You always felt something may happen because of rumblings, so surprised but not unexpected.

"After the Barnsley game we wondered if something might have happened with it being the start of the transfer window, but I'm grateful to Simon Grayson for bringing me here.

"I've looked back and he had a fantastic win ratio, but Leeds fans have expectations and at this moment in time we're not meeting them, and the manager is the one who has to take that.

"I was close to Beas the goalkeeping coach, but the others had been bang on with me. Obviously other players will have different opinions.

"I've seen the comments about us having a good experienced squad so maybe this is a chance for some of those players who haven't been playing to come in.

"Every time a manager leaves you have lads in the dressing room who are gutted, lads who say 'these things happen', and lads who are pleased, but we'll wait and see what happens next now."