Chris Powell says he would like to retain Steve Thompson on his Huddersfield Town coaching team amid continued suggestions he is a target of neighbours Leeds United.
Head coach Neil Redfearn, a former teammate of Thompson’s at Bolton Wanderers, is working without an assistant at Elland Road.
Thompson, Town’s joint first-team-coach with Steve Eyre, has been linked with a reunion ever since Redfearn became Leeds’ third team chief this season on November 1.
Town manager Powell acknowledged the rumours, saying: “I know Neil (Redfearn) knows Steve well and is looking for someone.
“If we add it up, it may be something that could happen. If it comes up, and there is a possibility of Steve going, I am sure he may want to talk to them.
“But at this stage, he is here and he is a part of my staff. I would like him to remain.”
Redfearn said: "I know who I want and I’ve left it with the club.
"I’ve been concentrating on getting training right and I’ve been told it’ll be sorted."
Thompson, 50, had a decade coaching at Blackpool before departing Bloomfield Road last February.
The Oldham-born former Bolton, Luton Town, Leicester City, Burnley, Rotherham United and Halifax Town midfielder joined Town in June as assistant manager to Mark Robins.
After Robins’ departure and Town’s appointment of Powell and his sidekick Alex Dyer, Thompson’s role was amended.
Redfearn, who as a caretaker manager guided United to a 3-0 home win over Town in September, has chalked up a win (3-1 at home to Blackpool last Saturday), a draw (2-2 at home to Charlton Athletic) and a defeat (3-1 at Cardiff City) since being put in charge on a permanent basis.
Leeds are 15th in the Championship, a place above Town with the same record of 20 points from 17 games.
They go to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
