44 year-old German joins ‘The Yorkshire Club’
- David Wagner named HTAFC Head Coach
- David to start his role on Monday
- Wagner previously managed Borussia Dortmund II
Huddersfield Town has today appointed former Borussia Dortmund II manager David Wagner as it new Head Coach.
Wagner joins the Terriers after leaving the German Bundesliga giants last week.
Born to a German mother and American father, David enjoyed a playing career as a striker in the Bundesliga – winning the UEFA Cup with Schalke 04 – and also represented the United States internationally on eight occasions.
When he hung up his boots, he studied a degree in Biology and Sports Science at the University of Darmstadt and worked as a teacher before earning his UEFA Pro License.
David started his coaching career with the Under-17s at 1899 Hoffenheim before being named as Manager of Borussia Dortmund II in July 2011.
Click HERE for a more detailed profile on David Wagner and his career.
David will be joined at Huddersfield Town by Assistant Head Coach Christoph Bühler (pictured below), whom he worked with at Borussia Dortmund II.
He will start work at the Club on Monday and will watch Saturday’s game at home to Leeds United from the stand, with Academy Manager Mark Lillis in charge of the game.
Huddersfield Town Chairman Dean Hoyle commented:
“David’s football philosophy is directly in line with that of the Club; he fits for what we need.
“It is new departure for us. He will be Head Coach; he is the Club’s first from outside the UK and Ireland and he brings a new approach and new ideas.
“In his own words, and as we hope will be seen in practise, his playing style echoes the one that has brought Borussia Dortmund such success over the last five years. Although the players are different, there are few fans who have watched that style in action and not found it enthralling to watch. I believe that will excite our fans.
“His approach is a winning one. He is a Head Coach that sets his teams up on the front foot to win matches. He is up for the challenge of making Huddersfield Town a success on the pitch in the Sky Bet Championship.
“He also understands and believes in the Club’s plan of producing and developing its own players. That was a major part of his job in charge of Borussia Dortmund II. He knows what it takes to prepare young footballers for the rigours of senior football. Perhaps most importantly, he has trust in young players, which it attractive to us.
“When we spoke with David, his knowledge of our squad was impressive and he already has firm ideas of where he wants to develop it going forward. He is very passionate and totally committed. He lives and breathes football and that fits the Club.”
Dean concluded:
“I’m sure the events of the last 48 hours, coupled with the appointment of an overseas Head Coach new to English football, will have surprised many people.
“There is definitely an element of risk to this, but that can be managed and I firmly believe this is the right direction for the Club to go in. I hope this appointment will reinvigorate us, bring excitement and allow us to make a big stride forward.”
