Jonny Howson thinks Leeds have to stick with Neil Redfearn

Jonny Howson thinks Leeds have to stick with Neil Redfearn if they are to put an end to the malaise which has cost them several of their key players over recent years - including himself.

A lifelong Leeds fan, Howson left for Norwich in January 2012 as United made another botched attempt at a Premier League return.

They will be remaining in the second tier for at least another year too, while Howson's Norwich look set for an immediate top-flight return after their 2-0 win at Elland Road on Tuesday.

It was an emotional night for Howson who was back at Leeds for the first time since his 226-game spell was surprisingly ended, and typically it was he who scored the first goal.

And speaking afterwards he admitted that little appears to have changed at Leeds, with players still leaving a club mired in mid-table.

But the 26-year-old can see a way forward for his old club, provided they keep faith with head coach Redfearn, whose deal expires at the end of the season.

"I obviously knew Redders from my time at the club and I've only good things to say about him," he said.

"Certainly for these young lads - I spoke to a couple of them after the game and they speak very highly of him.

"And I don't think there's any better man, certainly managing a young side like this.

"He's going to educate them, he'll bring them on and if they can all stick together I'm sure it's going to be very exciting times ahead for Leeds."

Howson was one of a number of Leeds' promotion-winning team of 2010 to be sold off, with three others joining him at Norwich and many heading elsewhere.

Despite a regime change the exit door at Elland Road still remains well used, and Howson is sad to see things appear to have remained the same.

"It's a little bit like that," he said.

"I suppose from my time here and since I've left there's always something going on at Leeds United.

"But it has got potential there now and if they can get settled down then they've got someone (Redfearn) in charge who can do that."

Howson was apologetic when opening the scoring against his old side, his outside-of-the-boot finish drawing applause from some of his former fans.

He refused to celebrate, saying it was an act of respect.

"From their reaction here it was very special and a bit emotional in a way," he added.

"I must admit, I appreciate the reaction and it's moments like that that are sometimes bigger than the ones that happen on the pitch.

"It was a nice touch and I appreciate that.

"I've got a lot of very close friends and family that are still involved with the club - that still work for the club, so it's out of respect for them."