Football news - David Wagner steps down as Huddersfield Town manager

Wagner took over at Huddersfield in 2015 and steered the club into the Premier League.

But after four years in charge the 47-year-old has stepped down from his position after discussions with the board.

In a statement released by the club, chairman Dean Hoyle said:

“I’d like to begin by thanking David for all he has achieved at Huddersfield Town over the last three-and-a-half years. Under his stewardship, we’ve achieved things on the football pitch that surpass anything in modern memory, and that have gone well beyond my wildest expectations as Chairman and as a fan.

“Under David’s management, we took this club to the highest position it has held in almost 50 years and created memories that will last forever.

“As I had said previously, I had no intention of sacking David this season. Subsequently David – being the great man he is – came to us and made it clear that he needs a break from the rigours of football management.

“We discussed making that change immediately, but he also made it clear that he would give his all for the rest of this season before departing in the summer if we preferred. After a long discussion we all felt that David staying at the Club until the end of the season was best, but we’ve kept discussions open and we all now feel that the time is right to part ways.

“I know the term ‘mutual consent’ is often a byword for the manager being sacked in professional football, but this is a truly joint decision. David has a real, genuine love for this Club and, like me, his foremost concern in our talks has been to establish what is best for Huddersfield Town.

“I cannot thank David enough for what he has achieved. Along with his family, he will always be a friend to me and Huddersfield Town.”

Huddersfield's next Premier League match is against Manchester City when assistant coach Mark Hudson will take caretaker charge of the team.