• The Championship

Sven's Leeds approach snubbed by Bates

Sven Goran Eriksson is in the hunt for a new manager's job © Getty Images

Enlarge

Ken Bates has delivered a snub to Sven Goran Eriksson, with the Leeds chairman revealing an application for the manager's job from the former England boss has been given short shrift.

Bates is seeking out a replacement for Simon Grayson and claims to have been inundated with approaches, "from the cheeky to the outlandish".

An 11-year-old boy with "high ambitions" has put his name forward and while he has not been ruled out, Eriksson - who can name Roma, Benfica, Lazio and Manchester City on a list of clubs he has managed - will not be getting the chance to speak to Bates.

"We have been inundated with applications from the cheeky to the outlandish," Bates told Yorkshire Radio. "We've had one from an 11-year-old boy who obviously has high ambitions in the game and we have a Playstation manager of 2010 who fancies his chances having won a competition.

"We've also had Sven Goran Eriksson apply, but he won't be coming."

Neil Redfearn has been placed in temporary control and he will be given the chance to prove himself.

Bates said: "We're in no hurry, there'll be no hurried appointment because the next appointment is a big appointment, not necessarily in name, for the future of Leeds United.

"Leeds United is a big club with a big fan base. It's a one-club city and any manager with ambitions wants to manage a big club. It also brings a wealth of unwanted applications for the wrong reasons and that's why we have to be careful.

"We don't want an instant miracle maker, although the fans think it's a good idea, but you rarely find one. It has to be someone who wants to come here for the right reasons.

"We're looking very carefully at the options and what baggage do they come with? We're in no hurry so the speculation will have to continue. Meanwhile, Neil Redfearn is in the seat and has an opportunity to prove he's the man for the job, and he can do that by winning games. He's made a good start and he's got all the players behind him.

"I'm happy to say that Neil will be in charge for at least the next three games."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.