htafc.com talked to Huddersfield Town Chairman-elect Dean Hoyle to discuss the departure of Stan Ternent.
After a meeting on Monday, Ternent's exit came about today and Hoyle explained the reasons behind it.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind," the Chairman-elect admitted. "I sat down and had a fifteen minute conversation with Stan on Monday and we had a difference of opinion on how to take the Club forward; the management felt we had to go one way, but the Board of Directors felt we had to go another way. As a result, we had a Board meeting this morning and we came to the unanimous decision to go our separate ways. As sad as it is, it's the best thing for the Club at this moment in time.
"I believe that whether we were ten points clear at the top of the table or on minus ten at the bottom, if the management and the Board of Directors have a difference of opinion on how to take the Club forward then you have to go your separate ways. We shook hands and I wish Stan, Ronnie and Doc all the best - they are good lads and it is a shame it has come to this, but Huddersfield Town has to move on.
"Regardless of what you think of Stan as a person, we have to understand that we have changed his life and those of Ronnie, Mick and Andrew today. It's not easy when people leave, but at the same time we have to get on with it."
Dean gave his best regards to outgoing Vice Chairman Andrew Watson, who resigned after Ternent left the Club.
"I think people like Andrew should be applauded. I think that people know that Andrew brought Stan to the Club and there are very few people that would put their neck on the line with such belief. That tells you a lot about Andrew and I believe he is a very good person; it's a shame his time at the football club has come to an end and I wish him all the best. He should be very proud of what he achieved here and he has helped the Club get back on track.
"He will be replaced on the Board - I already have a replacement sorted out. However, that could be made at the end of the season."
Town fans had voiced their dissatisfaction at performances during recent games, so did that have any bearing on Stan's departure?
"Absolutely not, no. If you look at the Neil Warnock era - in the early part of his management he was getting booed. The fans are important to the Club, but I believe that if fans can influence a Board of Directors then perhaps you need a new Board. We've done this because it's the right thing for the Club.
"We are bitterly disappointed and shocked at what has happened, because I would have never thought we would be sat here today talking about this. However, we are and now we need to understand how to take this forward."
Now the Board must begin the search for a new manager - a search that Dean is relishing.
"I believe we can attract the right manager to take us forward. I'm determined to take this Club forward with the right culture and we will sort it; I'm as enthusiastic as ever and when times are tough, that is the time to perform. I would say that 17 competitive games for Stan isn't long enough and I also do believe that Stan would have eventually got this Club promotion - maybe not this year. However, when there is a difference of opinion on matters maybe it isn't for us."
Even though Town currently sit 16th in the League One ladder, Dean believes that we have the players to take the Club forward.
"I believe we have got good players, but for some reason it just hasn't come right on the pitch. Stan would be the first to admit that too.
"We will attract the right manager, because Huddersfield Town is not hard to sell. There are good managers in work and good managers out of work - we'll have to see what happens. We need time to reflect and we have two big games coming up against Port Vale and Leeds, so we'll let the dust settle and see what happens.
"Gerry Murphy will be in charge of the first-team this weekend, with Graham Mitchell alongside him. He will stabilize the ship and bring a bit of calm to the situation and hopefully we will progress to the second round of the FA Cup.
"I don't think Gerry wants the job on a full-time basis. He's quite happy in his role as Director of Football Development. He's quite happy to help out the first-team and he is an integral part of this Club - he's been here over 20 years and he deserves respect."
How long does Dean feel it will take to make a new managerial appointment?
"I think we could go for quite a while to be honest. The appointment may be made this week or in six weeks. The important thing is that we get the right man to take us forward.
"I think we have all suffered for too long. I think our fans know where we want to go and if they can see that I'm trying to get us there with the right culture, I think they will support me and give me their full backing. However, if we don't get it right that backing will not last forever."
