‘Staying up is like title win’

DAVID WAGNER believes Premier League survival for Huddersfield would feel like winning the title.

Wagner, above, watched the trophy being presentation to champions Manchester City last Sunday after his team secured a shock 0-0 draw at the Etihad.

But it will get no easier for the Terriers as they look for the points they need to stay up, with tonight’s visit to Chelsea followed by a home match against Arsenal to finish the season.

Yet they are on the right side of the relegation line despite having the lowest wage bill in the top flight.

“If we stay up, it will be like we won the title,” said Wagner.

“For me and for us as a club, to secure our status would be bigger than promotion last season. It would feel like we won the league.” Huddersfield have defied the experts who tipped them to finish bottom after coming up from the Championship via the play-offs.

Their battle for safety has won Wagner many admirers, with Leicester the latest club to be considering a move for him.

The German, who has another year to run on his contract, has always insisted he will sit down with chairman Dean Hoyle at the end of the season to discuss his future, and said: “The plan hasn’t changed.

“It is easy to keep focused because I know what the truth is. And the truth is I have a clear commitment with Dean and I will follow it, just like I did last year.”

Huddersfield are set to have midfielder Tom Ince back from a hamstring injury at Stamford Bridge.