Learn more about the new arrival
- Find out more about Town's new Head Coach
- David Wagner's playing days representing the USA
- New man managed Borussia Dortmund II
Huddersfield Town has today appointed David Wagner as its new Head Coach.
David, 44, was born in Germany to a German mother and American father, who was based in Germany with the US military, on 19 October 1971.
Playing days
Standing at six feet tall, Wagner was a striker during his playing days. His domestic career took place entirely in the German leagues and he earned Under-18 and Under-21 honours for Germany, but he switched to play senior international football for the United States; earning a total of eight caps.
His playing days started in the youth system at SV Geinshem, but he turned professional in 1990 at Eintracht Frankfurt. David spent one season at the Club before moving to FSV Mainz.
David played for four seasons at Mainz, where he shared a room with teammate Jurgen Klopp; a relationship that would become very important in and away from football.
Wagner moved to Schalke 04 in 1995 and spent two seasons there. He was part of the side that won the UEFA Cup in 1996/97.
Another two season spell followed at FC Gutersloh from 1997, after which a short time at SV Waldhof Mannheim was ended when he joined SV Darmstadt 98. David played there until 2002, when he joined TSG Weinheim for another two seasons.
After playing
When David hung up his boots, he initially moved away from football. He studied a degree in Biology and Sports Science at the University of Darmstadt, located just south of Frankfurt.
After earning his teaching credentials, David went into teaching full time.
However, he went onto earn his UEFA Pro License and returned to football, becoming Under-17 Coach at 1899 Hoffenheim before eventually moving up to the U19s.
Borussia Dortmund II
Wagner re-joined his long-time friend Klopp at Borussia Dortmund on 1 July 2011, becoming the Manager of Borussia Dortmund II.
German clubs are allowed to field second teams in the lower divisions of the German football pyramid and when David took over, these teams were designed to field players under the age of 23, with three overage players permitted per game.
In first full season, David oversaw Borussia Dortmund II’s promotion to the third division; the highest league that second teams are allowed to play in.
Wagner maintained Borussia II’s status in that division for next two seasons, recording a record high 14th placed finish. For context, only three other clubs had second teams playing as high as the third division in the 2013/14 campaign.
Developing young players
The age restrictions on second teams were subsequently lifted during David’s time, but Dortmund made the strategic decision to adhere to the Under-23 rules to aid player development.
During David’s time at the Club, several players progressed from his squad to the senior Dortmund side.
One of the highest profile players is Erik Durm, who was signed for Dortmund II as a striker but was converted to a full back and now plays for Dortmund and the German national side.
Others include Jonas Hofmann and more recently the likes of Marian Sarr and Marvin Ducksch.
Borussia Dortmund II’s final league positions under David Wagner
2011/12
Regionalliga West – finished 1st and promoted; 24 wins from 36 games, scoring 84 goals
2012/13
3. Liga – finished 16th
2013/14
3. Liga – finished 14th – Club’s highest ever position
2014/15
3. Liga – finished 18th
