Carlos exit could hit Reds’ hopes to sign Terriers duo
NOTTINGHAM Forest’s hopes of signing Huddersfield Town duo Lewis O’brien and Harry Toffolo could be impacted by goings-on at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The Terriers have announced that head coach Carlos Corberan has resigned from the role following the play-off final defeat against Forest back in May.
The manager has been at the club for the past two seasons, but has now left just over three weeks before their first Championship game of the season.
Huddersfield have confirmed that first team coach Danny Schofield will take charge of the team for preseason and the first game of the campaign against Burnley, but it is not clear if the new head coach is appointed on a permanent or interim basis.
But that appointment could have an impact on Forest and their interest in both O’brien and Toffolo.
Steve Cooper is said to be interested in bringing both players to the City Ground this summer.
It is reported that Forest are ready to table a bid of £10 million for O’brien, while they are ‘confident’ of completing a deal for left wing-back Toffolo.
The defender is said to be available for as little as £2.5 million due to him having just one year remaining on his deal with the club.
Huddersfield activated a one-year extension clause in his contract at the end of the season but still could lose the player this summer
It was said that Huddersfield were willing to sell both players this summer. But the impact of Corberan’s departure is still to be seen.
Huddersfield’s head of football operations, Leigh Bromby, said the timing of Corberan’s departure was disappointing.
“It is with sadness that we have accepted Carlos’ resignation. He was obviously a big part of what was a fantastic season in 2021/22, but he has subsequently come to us over the last 24 hours and made it clear that he doesn’t think he is the man to take us forward.
“The timing is disappointing, with our preparations for the new season already under way. However, we have worked very hard here over the last few years to build a coaching and support structure around the first team that gives us continuity and stability when there’s change. We’ve also created succession plans for every eventuality.
“Danny Schofield will now step up to lead the team. He knows the club, the players, our coaching programme, and our structure as well as anyone and is ideally positioned to give us continuity. Danny is highly rated and well respected across football and, this summer, turned down an opportunity to become Head Coach of a club in the top division of a European league because he believes in what we’re doing here. His work at our Club has been outstanding, and he’s earned this opportunity.
“Danny will work with our fantastic staff, including Narcis Pelach, as we prepare for our first game against Burnley on 29 July. I would like to thank Carlos for his hard work at the club. I’ve really enjoyed working closely with him over the last two years, and I wish him the very best for the future.”
Owner Dean Hoyle added: “I know the timing of this news will come as a real shock to our supporters. We felt the same when Carlos asked to meet Leigh on Wednesday evening and made it clear he would be leaving, as we have been working together to plan for the new season.
“Everyone at the club sincerely thanks Carlos for his hard work over the last two seasons and for the way he has helped to take us forward. I really hope he goes on to have a great career. Town fans all know that success in football is never a simple, straight line, and there are always moments around the corner that test you. This is one of those moments, but I honestly believe we are in a great position as a club.
“I know change like this, particularly when it’s out of the blue, can be worrying for supporters. I assure everyone that we will do all we can to continue to drive this club forward after a really positive 12 months. We need to have trust in what we have built at the Club and keep faith in what we collectively believe we can achieve through hard work and purpose.
“I’ve talked about how collectively this club has rediscovered our Terrier Spirit, and it’s times like this when we must show exactly what that means. It’s about togetherness; everyone coming together to pull in one direction for the greater good of Huddersfield Town. It’s about standing up to any challenge, together, and powering through it. It’s about belief in the people we have here and what they are capable of. It’s about a positive, can-do attitude. All I ask is for everyone to get right behind Danny, the staff, and the players, as you always do, as we enter the new season.”
Corberan is believed to have interest in his services already, though it is reported that nothing is lined up and that his decision is based on a concern that his vision does not match Huddersfield’s.