A look back at Christopher Schindler’s time at Huddersfield Town so far
- Delve into Christopher Schindler’ Town career as it stands
- A look at some of the defender’s best moments as a Terrier
- Experience all his highlights on #HTTV
Christopher Schindler has written his name into Huddersfield Town folklore. To celebrate his birthday, Town fans can now enjoy some of the German’s best moments as a Terrier.
Christopher Schindler first arrived at Huddersfield Town in late June 2016 from TSV 1860 Munich for a then undisclosed record fee. The then-26-year-old brought with him a wealth of experience, which he had gained throughout his time at Munich, his hometown club which he had played at since his youth days. In total the German centre-back made over 200 career appearances at Munich before crossing the channel to join the Huddersfield Town ranks.
The German was signed for Huddersfield Town by then-Head Coach David Wagner, who when speaking to htafc.com back in June 2016, was delighted to have secured the signing.
“I am very happy to welcome Christopher to the club today.
“It will have been a big decision to leave his hometown club after spending so long there but Christopher is desperate to come and play for us in the Sky Bet Championship.”
That’s where Christopher Schindler’s journey began. He was instrumental in the Clubs’ opening day 2-1 win over Brentford and went from strength-to-strength. It wasn’t until late October when Schindy scored his first goal for the Club – he head home to secure a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town. He then scored against the Tractor Boys later in the campaign.
He continued to adapt to English football and created superb partnerships with both Mark Hudson and Michael Hefele to help Town defy the odds in the Sky Bet Championship.
It was in this moment when Christopher Schindler turned himself into a Huddersfield Town legend. You know the one, you were probably there, if not watching it at home from the edge of your seat. It was the 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium. After a hard-fought game against Reading, it all came down to Schindler’s spot kick in the penalty shoot-out.
The centre-back stepped up, the tension was skyrocketing, the hopes and dreams of every single Town fan rested on his shoulders, the pressure was surmountable. Nevertheless, the German did what he was good at and maintained his composure, scoring the penalty that sent Huddersfield Town to the Premier League and marking his name in the history books. Wembley Stadium was sent into raptures as the Blue and White army celebrated what was deemed the impossible but it was Schindler’s penalty that made it a reality.
A future feature in Town’s match day programme ‘The Terrier’ took a look at this incredible moment for Schindler and the German opened up about the entire experience.
“I had never taken a penalty before in professional football, but I felt straight away when the final whistle blew that I should take one. It was just instinct.
“It’s hard to describe the walk to the penalty spot but I just told myself, ‘do it, just do it’.
“I remember seeing my wife and she said “Are you absolutely crazy? Why would you take a penalty?” There were tears in her eyes and she had a huge smile on her face.”
This moment put Christopher Schindler in the hearts of every single Huddersfield Town fan and the role he has played since has only solidified that love.
Schindler has continued to strive in maintaining solidarity in the back four and has been an ever-present force throughout every season. His strong aerial and game reading abilities were on show in the Premier League years as he won the Club’s Player of the Season award for the last two campaigns.
It’s safe to say that Christopher Schindler has become a Huddersfield Town icon.
