Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has heaped praise on former coach Neil Redfearn, claiming their academy has 'funded' the club in recent years.
The Whites’ academy has been a hotbed for talent for decades, with the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Jack Clarke all emerging from the Thorp Arch set-up in the last few years.
In years gone by, the likes of Sam Byram, Jonny Howson, Lewis Cook and Ronaldo Vieira have all been sold for big money, going on to have varying degrees of success at their future clubs.
The Whites also sanctioned the sale of Clarke to Tottenham Hotspur for £9m this summer, after bursting onto the scene last term.
Unlike previous years, the Clarke money was reinvested into the first-team squad, with Helder Costa agreeing a £15m move, following the conclusion of his season-long loan. Clarke, too returned for another season at the club.
Under past regimes, that money would have disappeared, leaving the managers to make up the difference on the field.
Without the academy, Leeds would have floundered, and Whelan, a homegrown talent himself, has heralded Redfearn for his role in the talent conveyer belt following his appointment in 2009.
Leeds’ academy has funded Leeds United for a long, long time now,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“Not just last season, it’s been a very good money-making scheme from the academy. Testament to the club, testament to Neil Redfearn and all the other coaches who have come in in that under-23s and under-18s department.
“It means they’re bringing them through in the right way and keep churning out the quality and that’s what it’s all about, that’s why we have the academy.
“We see a lot more of that coming from Championship clubs than at Premier League sides.”
Redfearn is now the Under-23 boss at Newcastle United and was recently caretaker manager prior to Steve Bruce’s appointment at St James’ Park.
Marcelo Bielsa has also played a key role in developing Leeds’ current talented crop, facilitating the likes of Jamie Shackleton, Clarke and Peacock-Farrell to establish themselves as first-team regulars.
