Following the departure of David Hockaday on Thursday evening United’s Academy manager and head coaching Neil Redfearn has now stepped into the hotseat.

Redfearn, who has been in the role of caretaker twice before at United and was also a first team coach last season under Brian McDermott, will now be in control until a permanent head coach is appointed.

There will be a quick turn around for the caretaker head coach but he says the main thing is that the players are prepared for Saturday’s important game with Bolton.

“I got the call from the president on Thursday and this is one of those things that happen in football,” said Neil. “The basic chat was that he needed me to help him and I said that I would.

“We’ve got the game on Saturday against Bolton which is obviously a big game for the club and I’ll be putting a side together to put in a performance and get a result.

“There is no timescale on this. I’m basically helping him. David and Junior have gone but like I said, these things happen in football.

“From the club’s point of view the most important thing is the game on Saturday and that we are organised and ready.”

VIDEO: REDFEARN ON TAKING CHARGE AGAINST BOLTON

Redfearn took charge of training on Friday morning and he says he will be looking to put together a team that is capable of getting a result this weekend.

“I have been wrapped up in the Academy but I have taken an interest in what is happening with the first team,” said Redfearn.

“There has been a lot of new signings that have come in. I have seen them in training and in the odd game but I don’t really know them.

“This is now a case of integrating the players that we know with the new players and we need to put out a side that is going to be competitive and is capable of getting a result.”