Huddersfield Town have parted ways with boss David Wagner with the Terriers rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.
Wagner, 47, had guided Town to the Premier League via the play-offs, before defying all expectations and keeping them in the top-flight.
Huddersfield were on a nine-game losing streak prior to their 0-0 draw with Cardiff on Saturday, but it appears to have been Wagner’s final game in charge with the Terriers now on the lookout for a new boss.
Wagner’s stock has risen considerably since taking the job with Town, with a Championship promotion and a Premier League season of survival under his belt.
The decision to depart by mutual consent will come as a huge blow to Town fans, as they look to pull off an unlikely miracle in retaining their Premier League status.
Wagner may have tactfully taken the decision to part ways with the club without a Premier League relegation on his CV, however irrespective of the reasons behind the German’s departure, this surely all but confirms the relegation of Huddersfield to the Championship.
In a statement, club chairman Dean Hoyle commented:
“I’d like to begin by thanking David for all he has achieved at Huddersfield Town over the last three-and-a-half years. Under his stewardship, we’ve achieved things on the football pitch that surpass anything in modern memory, and that have gone well beyond my wildest expectations as Chairman and as a fan.
“Under David’s management, we took this Club to the highest position it has held in almost 50 years and created memories that will last forever.
“His achievements will rightly put him up there in Huddersfield Town history alongside great names like Herbert Chapman and Mick Buxton; legendary managers who changed the face of this Club.
“As I had said previously, I had no intention of sacking David this season. Subsequently David – being the great man he is – came to us and made it clear that he needs a break from the rigours of football management.
“We discussed making that change immediately, but he also made it clear that he would give his all for the rest of this season before departing in the summer if we preferred. After a long discussion we all felt that David staying at the Club until the end of the season was best, but we’ve kept discussions open and we all now feel that the time is right to part ways.
“I know the term ‘mutual consent’ is often a byword for the manager being sacked in professional football, but this is a truly joint decision. David has a real, genuine love for this Club and, like me, his foremost concern in our talks has been to establish what is best for Huddersfield Town.
“I cannot thank David enough for what he has achieved. Along with his family, he will always be a friend to me and Huddersfield Town.”
Hoyle’s statement confirmed that Mark Hudson will act as caretaker manager whilst the search for a replacement continues. Huddersfield next host Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League.
