Huddersfield Town tonight confirmed the departure of David Wagner as head coach.
The decision comes after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Cardiff, while ending an eight-match losing streak, leaves the Terriers rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, eight points from safety.
“David Wagner has today departed his role as Head Coach of Huddersfield Town by mutual consent,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
“The 47-year-old leaves Town after detailed discussions with the Board of Directors, with both parties agreeing this is the correct move for the future of the Club.”
Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle said of the decision: “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.
Huddersfield Town: Huddersfield’s eight-game losing run was the longest of its kind in the Premier League this season pic.twitter.com/sWPQ3cRs8W
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 14, 2019
“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.
“It’s a very sad day, but now we have to look to the future; that’s what football and our immediate situation demands.
“I’ve asked Mark Hudson to take this weekend’s Premier League game against Manchester City. He knows how to play our game at its best and he knows the squad, so he’s perfectly placed to do so. Along with the technical staff, we’ll give him all the support we can ahead of the game.”
