Huddersfield completes magical turnaround under Neil Warnock

Huddersfield Town has clinched a spot in next season’s Championship thanks to a win against Sheffield United on Thursday and the work of Neil Warnock. The club was previously in severe danger of being relegated to League One. In fact, they were practically in the drop zone for the majority of the current campaign. However, everything changed for the Terriers when they appointed Warnock as head coach in mid-February.

The veteran manager was brought into the club as essentially a last-ditch effort to help stave off relegation. After all, Huddersfield sat 23rd in the second-tiered table and was on its sixth head coach of the season. Warnock expressed his excitement about re-joining the club and claimed that he hoped to make the fans smile again.

Warnock’s goal was to make fans smile again

“I’m really excited about this challenge! I’m coming back to help the club, but also Dean Hoyle,” stated Warnock in February. “I know what he has done behind the scenes and I’ve always had a lot of time for him. I’ve looked at the fixtures and we’ve got some fantastic games to come. I want to come back and put smiles on faces!”

It’s safe to say that Warnock achieved his goal. Under the veteran coach, Huddersfield climbed out of the relegation zone and up to safety. The Terriers won six of 14 matches with Warnock at the helm. Compare this to the club picking up just seven victories in 31 games before the coach entered the fray.

Following the massive win on Thursday, the Huddersfield players gave Warnock a guard of honor on the pitch. The head coach was asked about the gesture in his postgame press conference. “I wasn’t expecting that at all. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever had one of them,” stated Warnock.

“It was an emotional night all round for the fans. They really got behind us and it’s been a rollercoaster ride. I think tonight will have converted youngsters for years to come.”

Neil Warnock won’t return to Huddersfield for 2023/24 season

Warnock, however, also squashed any rumors that he will return as the club’s head coach next season. Huddersfield brass and fans would surely want him back, but the 74-year-old coach claimed that he is done with the job. In classic Warnock fashion, Warnock claimed that he could talk with reporters all night but wanted to leave to enjoy a Negroni.

Huddersfield does still have one more match remaining on the fixture list. They will complete their season by hosting Reading on Monday. The Royals have already secured relegation to League One after a disappointing season.

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