Lucy Ward says ex-Leeds boss Neil Redfearn saved her mum’s life | OneFootball

ITV pundit Lucy Ward has hailed former Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn after he saved her mother’s life while she was working at the 2026 World Cup.

According to Leeds Live, Ward wrote on Instagram on Tuesday: "This one saved my Mum's life on Friday whilst I was away at the World Cup. What a man, forever grateful for you."

She shared the message before covering the Mexico versus Ecuador round of 32 tie at the Azteca Stadium, alongside lead commentator Joe Speight.

Ward has been travelling across Mexico, Canada and the USA for ITV, while Redfearn remained in the UK to care for her mum. The nature of his intervention has not been disclosed.

Ward later confirmed her mother had been discharged from hospital and was back home, adding that all was well.

A former Leeds Women and Doncaster Belles striker, Ward is a regular on ITV and TNT Sports. The Guardian named her among leading broadcasters in 2024/25.

Redfearn made more than 800 appearances between 1982 and 2006, largely at Barnsley, before moving into management. He served as caretaker and head coach at Leeds between 2012 and 2015, then had a short spell at Rotherham United. He later managed Doncaster Belles, Liverpool Women and Sheffield United Women.

The pair worked together at Leeds, where Ward became head of education and welfare after retiring. In 2023 she said she was forced out after Redfearn’s sacking and their relationship, then won a £290,000 sex discrimination case against then-owner Massimo Cellino.

Source: Leeds Live