FORMER York City coach Neil Redfearn has revealed he would be ready to send more promising Leeds United youngsters to further their careers at his old club.

Redfearn returned to Bootham Crescent as manager of a strong Leeds reserve team that drew 0-0 with City in a behind-closed door friendly yesterday.

Leeds included on-loan Manchester City midfielder and former England Under-21 international Michael Johnson in their side along with other first-team pros Billy Paynter, Leigh Bromby, Ross McCormack, Mike Grella, Ben Parker, Adam Clayton and club captain Richard Naylor.

But, afterwards, Redfearn admitted that he was impressed by the quality of City’s play.

And, with teenage midfielder Will Hatfield currently on loan with the Minstermen from Leeds and right-back Liam Darville having signed for the Bootham Crescent club after being released by the Championship play-off contenders, Redfearn confessed he would have no hesitation in sending more players in the direction of North Yorkshire.

Redfearn, currently doubling up as Leeds’ under-18 coach and reserve-team manager, told the Press: “I still regard York City as a Football League club because they are still full-time, have a good fan base and are well run.

“I also saw yesterday that the new manager likes to play football so it’s a great place for kids to go and get experience.”

Former Barnsley and Charlton midfielder Redfearn believes that Leeds graduates Darville and Hatfield can flourish with the Minstermen too.

Darville enjoyed an excellent debut during last Tuesday night’s 4-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon while Hatfield earned praise from City manager Gary Mills following his second-half substitute outing at Southport in the previous match.

After yesterday’s game, in which Darville played the first half and Hatfield the second, Redfearn added: “Liam was a first-year pro with me last season. He’s a right-back who can play centre-half and cover in one or two positions.

“He can play and he’s a good footballer who is comfortable in possession. He’s quick, aggressive and covers around.

“He was a bit unlucky at Leeds where the picture is a lot different with players coming in and out so it was important that he got out to play games. I imagine he will be a great addition for York City.

“He’s already played for Tranmere this season so he’s more than capable of playing at Blue Square Bet Premier level.

“Will is an all-action, box-to-box, energetic midfielder who can get you a goal. He scored a lot for Leeds’ youth team and has played a lot of games for the reserves.

“He’s more of an offensive midfielder but he’s very combative and won’t be fazed by what Conference football is all about. He will be another good acquisition for York.”