Former USA striker Wagner named Huddersfield head coach
English second tier soccer club Huddersfield Town have confirmed the appointment of David Wagner as their new head coach.
Wagner, who left his role as Borussia Dortmund II coach last week, takes over from Chris Powell who was sacked following Town's 2-2 draw with Reading on Tuesday night.
Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle told the club's official website: "David's football philosophy is directly in line with that of the club; he fits for what we need.
"It is a 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 practice, 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 rigors of senior football.
"Perhaps most importantly, he has trust in young players, which is 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."
Hoyle is aware of the risk involved in appointing a foreign coach with no experience of English football but he is confident Wagner will prove a success.
He added: "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."
Former USA striker Wagner, who won the UEFA Cup with Schalke 04 as a player, brings his former assistant Christoph Buhler with him to the John Smith's Stadium.
He will start work at Huddersfield on Monday, with academy manager Mark Lillis taking charge for the derby clash at home to Leeds this weekend.
