Leeds United head coach Neil Redfearn admits he was shocked at the recent departure of club chief operating officer Matt Child, feeling the official was doing an outstanding job at Elland Road in a role he sees as important.
Child worked behind the scenes at Elland Road for a number of months earlier this year before being officially confirmed as the club's chief operating officer in December.
But Child surprisingly departed his role earlier this week, with no reason as to why, leaving Redfearn disappointed at the loss of someone he felt was performing a key function for the Championship club.
Redfearn, asked about Child's departure, explained to BBC Radio Leeds: "It came as a surprise because Matt has done ever so well in a short space of time. He's a good guy, a likeable guy, an intelligent guy, he'd got lots of plans and things that he wanted to bring to fruition at the football club.
"He'd got good aspirations to develop the club further and I know he's held in high regard by the people down at Elland Road, so it's a shame, it's come as a shock.
relatedNewsStory
"Obviously he'll have his reasons why he's had to go. But it's a big loss to the club.
"It is an important role because being in touch with the community and the local authorities, which we are, it's a one club city…
"It's important we had someone who does what Matt has done, link the club with the supporters", the head coach added.
Leeds have yet to confirm who will replace Child, with chairman Andrew Umbers in charge of the day to day running of the club in the absence of owner Massimo Cellino, who is serving a Football League ban.
Cellino can return to Elland Road in May, but there is still uncertainty over whether he will do so as he fights a Football League rule.
Like betting on football? Check out our sister site Inside Bet. Free bet offers, betting tips, betting facts. Visit Inside Bet.
