Relegation battles to promotion fights
A dark cloud was looming over Huddersfield as relegation seemed inevitable if the 4th manager in 4 years didn’t deliver consistent performances. Chairman Dean Hoyle threw his dice on the table and appointed a man who had never managed in England in what appeared to be a ‘make or break’ decision.
Since the arrival of David Wagner in November 2015, Huddersfield Town have been revitalised on and off the pitch. The biggest rejuvenation taking place over the summer and at the start of the 2016/17 championship campaign. With thirteen new signings joining the squad, the Wagner revolution was set in motion, much to the approval of Huddersfield Town fans.
As Huddersfield now sit 3rd in the league after 16 games the scepticism that surrounded Hoyle’s decision has been eradicated. David Wagner has quickly emerged out of the brilliant Jurgen Klopp’s shadow who was his former boss at Borussia Dortmund and happens to be the Godfather of one of his children.
On the pitch
Huddersfield Town’s valiant performances on the pitch during this season have shown the miraculous turnaround from what fans have seen in previous years, leaving everybody asking just how Wagner has done it? The German has implemented the infamous tactic “Gegenpressing” that is used heavily throughout Germany’s top league, the Bundesliga.
The style of play has players applying pressure on their opponents high up the pitch, battling for every ball and running at a consistently high rate like true Terriers. It sees them constantly dominating opponents across the whole pitch for 90 minutes. Promotion favourites Newcastle United became victims of this domination as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at home earlier this season.
Highlights of the season so far.
Off the pitch
There is a clear correlation present between the performances and the rise in attendances. Passion on the pitch creates passion in the stands and vice-versa. The fans in the stand can be the 12th man in a game of football often spurring their team to victory. Chairman Dean Hoyle is a big believer that fans make football, evident in his decision to slash the season ticket prices to £179. The appreciation has been noted by the fans with home attendances averaging over 20,000.
There is currently a huge debate over extortionate ticket prices with the argument that football is becoming a sport only for the wealthy. The Terriers have the lowest pricing in the Championship with the highest prices coming between £495 – £780. It is refreshing to see teams such as Huddersfield are currently fighting back against this current tide in football.
Financial Fair Play
The money that is spent in football is incomprehensible and is making it more difficult for teams with Huddersfield’s calibre to compete in divisions such as the Championship. League giants such as Aston Villa spent £50 million over the summer whereas the Terriers broke their transfer fee record by signing Christopher Schindler for a ‘measly’ £1.8 million. However, despite the massive unbalance in transfer budgets, Huddersfield remain 3rd in the league whereas Aston Villa sit in 14th, making me beg the question of which is more rewarding, buying your success? Or earning your Success?
The fans view on the start to the season: