Grayson was dismissed as boss of his boyhood club after just over three years in the position.

"It was a shock," Redfearn told Leeds' official website. "It came all of a sudden on Wednesday. I got a call and found out the news.

"I've been here the three years Simon has been here, but these things happen in football.

"It's about how you react when you pick the pieces up. We have a big game against Bristol City on Saturday and it's about doing well there and getting a result there."

Grayson, who brought the Whites back into the npower Championship, left on Wednesday despite guiding them to 10th place in the table this season, just four points off the play-offs.

"He has done terrifically well," added Redfearn. "It's a sad day when something like this happens.

"You work with someone for three years and it is difficult, but from my point of view I've got the caretaker job and it's about putting a side together to try and get a result at Bristol City on Saturday.

"I've got to focus on that and make sure the lads are ready."

Rumours are already circulating about who will take over on a permanent basis with current Huddersfield boss Lee Clark and former QPR manager Neil Warnock the early favourites.

Redfearn insists he is relishing the prospect of taking charge this Saturday against Bristol City, and he added: "It's all happened so quickly and it's all a bit raw.

"I've enjoyed my time immensely here, working with the youth team and the reserves. I'm not putting myself under any pressure.

"I've got a lot of good friends here who I want to help through the short term. If I can get some results that can only help Leeds United. I'm more interested in Saturday's game and making sure everything is ready for whatever happens."

Meanwhile, Brighton boss Gus Poyet and Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio have ruled themselves out of the running.

Poyet enjoyed a successful spell at Elland Road as assistant to Dennis Wise in 2006 but insists he is not interested in succeeding Grayson.

Speaking ahead of the Seagulls' clash with Leicester, Poyet said: "The speculation is normal.

"It's a massive club, a great place to manage and I would always be open to a job at Leeds - but of course not right now!"