‘Drained’ Wagner walks out on Terriers
DAVID WAGNER has left the Premier League’s bottom club Huddersfield Town in what owner Dean Hoyle described as a ‘ truly joint decision’.
The German led Huddersfield’s promotion to the Premier League and masterminded their top-flight survival last season.
But insiders at the yorkshire club said Wagner had been emotionally drained in recent weeks despite his effervescent appearances in front of the cameras.
under 23s coach Mark Hudson will take charge for sunday’s clash at home to Manchester City but is not expectedd to be offered the role full-time.
Huddersfield chief executive Juliann Winter is known to be a fan of sheffield united manager Chris Wilder, but no approach has yet been made.. sam Allardyce, whoo played for Huddersfield rss, in the 1980s, is not thought to considering an application.
While the Terriers acknowledge k l their situation is grave, officials at the club retain an element of belief they can stay in the Premier League and will be looking for a candidate who shares that view.
Wagner, who worked with Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, held lengthy discussions with Huddersfield’s board before the decision was reached.
Hoyle said: ‘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 the time is right to part ways. ‘ I know the term “mutual consent” is often a by word for the manager being sacked but this is a truly joint decision. David’s has a real, genuine love forfo this club and his foremost concern in our talks has been to establish what is best for Huddersfield Town.’ Wagner took over Huddersfield withith the club struggling in the Championship in late 2015 and oversaw a stunning turnaround which saw them promoted via the play-offs in 2017. Last season they defied the odds to stay up. However, this season has been one of struggle. On saturday, they drew 0-0 at Cardiff after controversy involving referee Lee Mason, who awarded Huddersfield a penalty before reversing his decision after consulting his assistant.