BREAKING NEWS: Wagner leaves Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town head coach David Wagner has left his role by mutual consent with the club rock bottom of the Premier League table.

The Terriers are eight points adrift of safety with 16 matches remaining after a 0-0 draw at relegation rivals Cardiff City on Saturday.

Huddersfield had lost their eight previous league games under Wagner, who led the club to the Premier League for the first time in their history.

And it was confirmed on Monday that Wagner was leaving the club following a board meeting.

Town chairman Dean Hoyle previously stated he would not sack Wagner and said in a club statement that the German coach had asked to depart the John Smith’s Stadium.

“I’d like to begin by thanking David for all he has achieved at Huddersfield Town over the last three and a half years,” Hoyle said.

“Under his stewardship, we’ve achieved things on the football pitch that surpass anything in modern memory, and that have gone well beyond my wildest expectations as chairman and as a fan.

“Under David’s management, we took this club to the highest position it has held in almost 50 years and created memories that will last forever.

“His achievements will rightly put him up there in Huddersfield Town history alongside great names like Herbert Chapman and Mick Buxton; legendary managers who changed the face of this club.

“As 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 that the time is right to part ways.

“I know the term ‘mutual consent’ is often a byword for the manager being sacked in professional football, but this is a truly joint decision. David has a real, genuine love for this club and, like me, his foremost concern in our talks has been to establish what is best for Huddersfield Town.

“I cannot thank David enough for what he has achieved. Along with his family, he will always be a friend to me and Huddersfield Town.”

52% – Huddersfield have failed to score in a higher proportion of their Premier League games than any other team in the competition’s history (52%, 31/60). Blank. pic.twitter.com/uYh89BgdNV

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 14, 2019

Mark Hudson will take charge of Huddersfield’s next game, at home to champions Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

“It’s a very sad day, but now we have to look to the future; that’s what football and our immediate situation demands,” Hoyle added of Hudson’s temporary appointment.

“He knows how to play our game at its best and he knows the squad, so he’s perfectly placed to do so. Along with the technical staff, we’ll give him all the support we can ahead of the game.”