Leeds United are pleased to confirm that Neil Redfearn has been appointed as the club’s new head coach on a one-year rolling contract.

Redfearn, who was the club’s academy manager and head of coaching, replaces Darko Milanic at Elland Road on a permanent basis.

The contract includes the option to return to the club's Academy.

The 49-year-old has already taken caretaker charge of the first-team this season, collecting 10 points from a possible 12 during his month-long stint.

Redfearn oversaw victories against Bolton, Bournemouth and Huddersfield, as well as the 1-1 draw at Birmingham.

It was his third spell as caretaker boss having initially joined the club as Under-18s coach at the start of 2009.

Redfearn made over 1,000 first team appearances during a 24-year playing career, including 790 outings in the Football League.

The former midfielder spent time at the likes of Bolton, Doncaster and Crystal Palace before spending seven years at Barnsley where he helped fire them to top-flight promotion as captain.

Coaching roles at Halifax Town, Scarborough, Northwich Victoria and York City then led to him making the switch to Thorp Arch almost six years ago.

His first game as United’s permanent head coach comes away to Cardiff City on Saturday as he looks to end a run of six games without a win.