Town's Chief Executive looks ahead to 2021
- Huddersfield Town Chief Executive issues a New Year's message
- Mark Devlin praises Huddersfield Town supporters
- Devlin: “I am excited for what the future holds”
2020 has been one of the hardest years in living memory, and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to 2021 with a renewed optimism now that COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved for use and the vaccination programme is getting under way.
However, before we start the New Year, I wanted to get in touch and thank you – on behalf of everyone at the Club – for the commitment and support you have shown to Huddersfield Town in incredibly challenging circumstances.
When I joined the Club as Chief Executive in January, I knew I was joining a big football club with a wonderful heritage. However, I didn’t realise quite how big this club is, and how much it means to the town and people of Huddersfield.
That commitment from our fans was brought into sharp focus when the pandemic hit. Since that time, with a few false dawns about the possible return of fans to stadia, your support has been unwavering, and incredible. From purchasing Season Cards to buying shirts in the shop, and simply trying your hardest to stay engaged with the Club, it has been incredible. Thank you so much.
After a gruelling 2019/20 season that narrowly resulted in our survival in the Sky Bet Championship, I believe Huddersfield Town can look forward to 2021 with optimism too. Through a period of transition and a major health crisis that has ground business to a practical halt, I believe the Club is in as good a place as possible to emerge strongly and push forward. This is, in no small way, down to the efforts made by our staff, right across the Club and the Huddersfield Town Foundation, and I want to publicly thank them for their commitment and dedication.
On the pitch, I think we can all see the progress being made by the new coaching team, led by Carlos Corberán. Of course, we will suffer some setbacks, but we have, and will continue to, bounce back from the hurdles we will inevitably face over the next weeks and months.
I am so sad that you haven’t been able to share in that progress on the pitch by being at games, and I know that watching games from home is a very poor substitute – if a substitute at all – to being at the John Smith’s Stadium and enjoying the match day experience. When the time comes that we can welcome you back, we will be ready.
There is still much work to be done as we seek to push the Club forward in all areas. However, I firmly believe that we now have a clear plan, a strong identity and a renewed feeling of positivity and optimism, and I am excited for what the future holds.
We will continue to offer the best level of engagement to you, our loyal fans, as you will be key to any future success we enjoy. That’s at the heart of every decision we make.
I look forward to seeing you all again once this virus is beaten. For now, all that remains is for me to wish you all, and your families, a Happy and Healthy New Year. Please continue to stay safe and look after yourselves.
Mark Devlin
Chief Executive
Huddersfield Town
