Huddersfield Town have announced that by mutual consent manager Andy Ritchie is leaving the Club with immediate effect.

The position of caretaker manager will be taken over by Gerry Murphy, Town's Director of Football Development.

The search for a permanent manger starts right away and it is hoped that Town will make an appointment before the end of the season.

Making the announcement, Club chairman Ken Davy, said:

"Andy Ritchie is as nice a person as you could meet and we wish him every success in the future.

"Going forward however, our focus at Huddersfield Town now has to be appointing a new manager for our Centenary season.

"For whatever reason the reality is that despite an increase spend and new signings, we have not progressed as we all hoped this season. We will now take a fresh look at our options.

"Huddersfield Town has some great supporters and tremendous potential as well as great history; we need to find someone who can harness these elements as we celebrate the Club's hundred years."