The Terriers have made their move following the departure of Andre Breitenreiter last week. Michael Duff has been named Huddersfield Town’s new head coach. The former Cheltenham Town, Barnsley, and Swansea City manager has signed a three-year contract with the Terriers, succeeding Andre Breitenreiter, who left the club at the end of last week.
Duff played eight years with Cheltenham, where he made over 300 appearances until joining Burnley in 2004. The centre-back spent 12 years at Turf Moor as a player, reaching 350 games with the Clarets before retiring in 2016.
The 46-year-old began his coaching career with Burnley, working with the under-18s and then the U23s before taking on his first managerial post with Cheltenham in 2018. The manager led the Robins to the League Two title in 2021, followed by a 15th-place finish in League One the following year, the club’s best-ever EFL finish, before leaving to join Barnsley in the summer of 2022. Duff led the Tykes to the League One play-off final in his only season as manager, which finished in an extra-time loss to Sheffield Wednesday, before leaving for Swansea City last summer. He lasted little over five months in charge of the Swans until being fired in December, with his team placed 18th in the Championship.
The 46-year-old is now back in the dugout for the newly relegated Terriers, who are about to begin their first League One season since 2012. Town chairman Kevin Nagle stated, “Preparation for the new season is critical, and we are delighted to have Michael join us in good time for the campaign ahead.” We have enormous objectives both on and off the pitch, and every conversation we’ve had with Michael has given us confidence that he not only shares our goals, but also understands what it means to represent Huddersfield Town.
“I look forward to moving on together in Sky Bet League One with Michael, who has a track record that speaks for itself at this level.”
Sporting director Mark Cartwright added: “It was critical that we acted quickly ahead of the new season, and Michael’s enthusiasm for joining Huddersfield Town was clear from our first conversation.” Michael has a proven track record of providing squads with concentration and direction during transitional periods, having previously done so with Cheltenham Town and Barnsley in Sky Bet League One, with Swansea City also paying a hefty compensation sum to employ him.
“We are in a wonderful position for the upcoming season, and I am excited to watch Michael work with the players when our preseason begins on the field next month. Discussions about our off-field matters are already well started, with Michael buying into our vision of the future and giving ideas.
He has lofty standards of his own.” Duff, the new head coach, stated, “As soon as discussions began with the club, I wanted to jump at the opportunity to be the head coach of Huddersfield Town.” Since leaving my previous role, I’ve had time to reflect, regroup, and consider what the next challenge will be. Whatever was to come had to be right and a good match, which is precisely how it feels. I understand that our supporters expect a particular degree of devotion, drive, great energy, and enthusiasm from our players, and I have maintained those high standards for all of my teams.
“My conversations with Chairman Kevin, CEO Jake, and sporting director Mark have
been quite positive, and I believe we’ve been on the same page since day one. I’m familiar with the club, the area, and the fans from previous interactions, but now I want to get to know them better from a point of belonging – and above all, I want our fans to be proud of their team again.
“This is a unique club with a rich history and a bright future, and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it. I can guarantee that I will give my all for Huddersfield Town – that’s what I’ll be asking of my players as well – and together with our supporters, we’ll be ready for the pre-season and campaign ahead “to attack.”
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