Huddersfield chase top-flight jackpot

– David Wagner (right) insists Huddersfield are ready to hit the Premier League jackpot as his unfashionable club face Reading in a £200 million shoot-out in today’s Championship play-off final.

Wagner is aiming to take his team into the English top-flight for the first time in 45 years and he is well aware how out of place the Terriers would look among the Premier League aristocracy.

Huddersfield have never played in the Premier League and haven’t been a forcel since the 1920s, when they won the title three times (1924, 1925, 1926) under legendary boss Herbert Chapman.

Widely tipped as relegation candidates at the start of the season, Huddersfield have defied all expectations to reach a Wembley showdown that promises untold riches for the winner.

At least £100 million in media rights is at stake, plus hugely increased revenue streams and ‘parachute payments’ to clubs relegated from the Premier League.

Leicester pulled off one of the biggest sporting upsets last season by winning the Premier League title and Wagner believes taking Huddersfield into the top tier would an equally miraculous achievement.

“We are still Huddersfield Town, even if we are in the final,” said Wagner, whose team overcame Sheffield Wednesday on penalties in the play-off semifinals. – AFP