Leeds United defender Sol Bamba has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that the suspension of assistant manager Steve Thompson split the camp at Elland Road.
Thompson was appointed assistant to boss Neil Redfearn earlier this season and helped the 49-year-old steer the Whites away from the relegation zone in the Championship with the club on a good run of form.
However, Thompson was suspended from his duties at the start of April. Redfearn had not been told beforehand that his assistant was being suspended and has still not received an explanation. The letter suspending Thompson was signed by sporting director Nicola Salerno.
Bamba and a number of Leeds players were firm fans of Thompson, though the defender admits some players believe the assistant's suspension was "right".
He said: "It was tough for everyone to take because he was doing a wonderful job.
relatedNewsStory
"People don’t know but behind the scenes he was very, very good.
"The results showed that as well. Personally I was hurt when Thommo left.
"Some of the players think it was the right decision and fine. But I think it wasn’t."
Redfearn himself has not yet had his position as boss confirmed for next season and Bamba is desperate for the former midfielder to remain in charge at Elland Road.
"Everyone can see he knows the club. There’s no other man better for the job. I’d be very disappointed if he left", the centre-back, who is on loan at Leeds from Palermo, added.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
