Sven-Goran Eriksson has applied to become Leeds manager but will not be getting the job, with chairman Ken Bates revealing that Neil Redfearn is to be given at least three matches to prove his credentials.
Redfearn took charge at Elland Road on a temporary basis following the departure of Simon Grayson and guided the Whites to a 3-0 victory over Bristol City on Saturday.
Redfearn has admitted he would like to be handed a permanent deal and Bates has now challenged him to show what he is capable of during an extended period at the helm.
"I'm happy to say that Neil will be in charge for at least the next three games," Bates told Yorkshire Radio.
"That's Brighton, Coventry, and Doncaster. Those three games are all very winnable.
"After all the maelstrom we're only two points off the play-offs so we've decided that after his impressive start, not just with his win, but his presence around Thorp Arch that he will be given his chance to his demonstrate his abilities while we consider the future.
"It's a big step up for him, but against that he has a wealth of experience, he has played over 1,000 games and he used to play for Mervyn Day when he was at Charlton so it helps that with the (current) set-up he is being eased in."
Redfearn's impressive start has made Bates feel happier about taking his time to make the right appointment, and he insists the club will be thorough in their search for Grayson's full-time successor.
Describing some of the more unusual applications Leeds have received, Bates also ruled out the possibility of bringing in ex-England boss Eriksson.
"We have been inundated with applications from the cheeky to the outlandish," he said.
"We've had one from an 11-year-old boy who obviously has high ambitions in the game, and we have a PlayStation manager of 2010, who fancies his chances, having won a competition.
"We've also had Sven-Goran Eriksson apply, but he won't be coming.
"We're in no hurry, there'll be no hurried appointment because the next one is a big appointment, not necessarily in name for the future of Leeds United.
"Leeds United is a big club with a big fan-base. It's a one-club city and any manager with ambitions wants to manage a big club. It also brings a wealth of unwanted applications for the wrong reasons and that's why we have to be careful.
"We don't want an instant miracle maker, although the fans think it's a good idea, but you rarely find one. It has to be someone who wants to come here for the right reasons.
"We're looking very carefully at the options and what baggage do they come with? We're in no hurry so the speculation will have to continue.
"Meanwhile, Neil Redfearn is in the seat and has an opportunity to prove he's the man for the job, and he can do that by winning games. He's made a good start and he's got all the players behind him."
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