Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BAND of BROTHERS
Revealed: How motivational message on bracelets inspired Terriers’ historic Wembley triumph
INSCRIBED in blue and white, the inspiration behind Huddersfield’s return to English football’s penthouse was on Schindler’s wrist.
Before the play-off semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday, Terriers manager David Wagner handed each of his players a personalised wristband, bearing their initials and squad number, as a token of his trust. Wagner saw little point in splashing out on a sunshine break or bonding trip.
Not where a simple £1 statement reaffirmed his belief that Town would become the 49th club to compete in Premier League history. He even wore one himself (left). Central defender Chris Schindler was proudly wearing Wagner’s gift to his band of brothers after potting the winner from the penalty spot in Monday’s £170million shoot-out to shatter Reading. Lifting his forearm, as if to show the time, Schindler was not only the coolest man at Wembley in the game of who-blinks-first. He was also sporting the town’s new must-have fashion accessory, which read: “C.S. 26 #nolimits We’re on our way to W...!” No limits has been Wagner’s catchphrase and Schindler appreciated his manager’s gesture. Ahead of Huddersfield’s triumphant victory parade, he said: “From the start, he told us there are no limits and he had these wristbands made for us. “Every single player has one to remind them. “It was his idea, and when a coach comes up with something like that, it makes you believe in him. I’ve been wearing this for two weeks now. “It shows you don’t have to spend a lot to make a big impact – especially if you have good characters. Maybe it’s just a small detail, but it’s important to make everybody believe you can do it.”