TERRIERS FUME AT HART’S SUDDEN U-TURN
HUDDERSFIELD Town have expressed their dismay after claiming Neil Hart reneged on his decision to become the club’s new chief executive in order to take up the same role at Burnley.
Burnley announced on Wednesday that Hart will succeed David Baldwin as the Premier League side’s new chief executive officer next summer.
Huddersfield had announced Hart as their new chief executive last week and chairman Phil Hodgkinson described his U-turn as “unacceptable” and “incredibly disappointing”.
Hart, currently CEO of Burnley FC in the Community, will step up when current club CEO Baldwin leaves Turf Moor in June 2020 to take up the same role at the EFL.
Huddersfield said in a statement: “Following a thorough process, the club identified Neil as the preferred candidate to become its new chief executive and offered him the position, which Neil quickly accepted.
“Neil requested that his acceptance of the position was announced publicly as quickly as possible, as his previous employer – Burnley FC in the Community – wanted to advertise for a replacement for his role of CEO.
“Huddersfield Town understood and agreed, but only on the proviso that Neil signed his contract of employment with the club before any announcement was made. Neil agreed, and signed this contract.
“The announcement of Neil’s appointment as incoming CEO was made on December 12, 2019.”
Hodgkinson added: “Neil’s decision, and the reversal of his signed commitment to Town, is incredibly disappointing.
“I’m a great believer in honouring a commitment once it has been made and that certainly is not the case with this situation. The club is of the utmost importance, but I feel personally let down, too.
“I’ve never had this happen to me in 25 years of working in business.”