Redfearn was Leeds' third manager of the season after the previous appointments of non-league failure Dave Hockaday followed by the equally strange decision to bring Darko Milanic from Sturm Graz.
He took over in October after Milanic's short stay and things have settled down on the playing side, particularly since Thompson's appointment. Much of the credit for the improved form has been credited to our former midfielder.
Yesterday, without the knowledge of Redfearn, Thompson was suspended from duty by director of football Nicola Salerno who reported that it was an internal matter and that no further comment would be made.
Redfearn was furious and said that he would now be considering his position at Elland Road. Since, reports have revealed that the letter Thompson received cited 'poor performance' as the reason for his suspension. He has been informed that his contract won't be renewed and so, effectively, he has been sacked.
Leeds have won eight of their last thirteen games and have secured a mid-table position, something considered unlikely not too many weeks ago when there was a real possibility of them being in a relegation fight.
The manager said: "Steve's been suspended. For what, I don't know. I don't understand it. It seems a really strange decision and I'm bitterly disappointed. It's unbalancing everything we're doing.
"I've got to have a real hard think. Where before it was a no brainer (to remain at Leeds) I've got to have a think. It is undermining. You're trying to put something together in the belief that you're getting the backing."
This follows on from the departure of chief operation officer Matt Child who resigned late last month, another decision that shocked and disappointed Redfearn. Child, a lifelong supporter, walked after just three and a half months in the role.
Thompson has placed his situation in the hands of the League Managers Association.