Striker to leave at the end of his contract
Huddersfield Town striker Lee Novak will the leave the Club at the end of his contract this summer after rejecting Town’s offer.
Talks began as long ago as August 2012 and following the conclusion of the 2012/13 Championship season, Town confirmed that the contract offer from October 2012 remained open, however talks have today ended with the former Gateshead striker’s representatives.
Lee signed for Town from Gateshead in July 2009 and has made 172 appearances for the Club and scored 42 goals.
The 24 year-old scored 14 goals in his first season at Huddersfield before suffering an injury hit year during the 2010/11 season. He returned to form as Town gained promotion from League 1 last season, notching 17 goals in 49 appearances. He also provided the assist for Jordan Rhodes’ goal at MK Dons in the Play-Off semi-final and played 116 minutes of the final as Town beat Sheffield United at Wembley.
During Town’s first year back in the Championship for 11 seasons, the striker made 39 appearances (27 starts) and finished the season with six goals.
Huddersfield Town Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens thanked Lee for his contribution over the past four years:
“Lee has been a tremendous player for Huddersfield Town over the past four seasons and we are sorry to see him leave. He is a great guy and became a real fans’ favourite amongst the Town faithful and always gave 100% for the Club. He scored a number of very memorable and crucial goals and has been part of our journey from League 1 to retaining our status in the Championship.
“We wanted to extend Lee’s contract with the Club and offered him a new deal back in October last year that has been on the table ever since. Sadly, we were unwilling to bridge a sizeable gap in the contract terms.
“With the advent of Financial Fair Play, pressure on commercial revenue and ticket income, all clubs will be faced with more and more challenges on player contracts. That will mean difficult financial decisions will have to be taken as player costs reduce across the Championship and whole Football League.
“We wish Lee all the best in the future and I am sure when he is next at Town he will receive a great welcome back.”
