There will be no Massimo Cellino after the colourful Italian stepped down from his involvement with Leeds United until April 10 after losing his appeal against the Football League’s decision to disqualify him as owner.

But Neil Redfearn will be at the heart of the Whites’ bid to seal a second double of the Championship campaign – and a first over Town since 1938-39.

Redfearn was caretaker boss in between Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic when Leeds beat Town 3-0 at Elland Road in September.

Slovenian coach Milanic lasted just six games, none of which were won, before departing Elland Road and paving the way for Redfearn’s appointment as head coach.

Cellino first made his mark at Elland Road back in January of last year, ousting Brian McDermott, even though he didn’t yet own the club, the day before Leeds beat Town 5-1 under the temporary leadership of Nigel Gibbs.

McDermott returned, for a few months at least, while Cellino, who got through 36 team chiefs during his 22 years at the helm of Italian club Cagliari, pressed ahead with his takeover.

There isn’t such a thing as a quiet week at Leeds, who are also the subject of a Football League transfer embargo under Financial Fair Play guidelines.

So credit to Redfearn for getting on with the task of blending senior players, foreign imports and homegrown talents with little fuss.

Redfearn and his players still have plenty of work to do, but they have shown that on their day, they are a match for most in the Championship.

They have twice beaten Bournemouth, 3-1 on the South coast in September and 1-0 in their most recent game.

And Middlesbrough and Derby County have been toppled at Elland Road.

Within that embargo, Leeds have some leeway for loans, and Palermo pair Granddi Ngoyi, a midfielder, and Sol Bamba, a defender, are both available to Redfearn for the 64th Town-Leeds league derby.

While United are chasing a 21st win in the series, Town are after a 27th.

Chris Powell’s side have been in good form, with three wins from their last four league games, and last week’s 1-0 success at Wigan, which brought an unexpected appearance for facial injury victim James Vaughan, was a real boost.

Another three-point haul would be very welcome indeed.