Huddersfield Town has re-appointed Neil Warnock as manager on a short-term contract until end of season.
This appointment sees Warnock return to Huddersfield almost 30 years after he took charge for a 23-month spell between July 1993 – June 1995, during which he led the Terriers to promotion into the First Division via play-offs in 1994-95 season.
Warnock though faces a tougher task this time round as he looks to keep Huddersfield in the Championship, with the Terriers currently sat second-bottom in the relegation zone on goal difference, albeit one point from safety behind his former team – Cardiff City who sits 21st in table.
Warnock’s return also marks a pause on his retirement which he had announced in April 2022, just six months after he was sacked by Middlesbrough following a poor run of form.
Speaking about his decision to come out of retirement until end of this season following Mark Fotheringham’s exit, Warnock stated that he is “… really excited about this challenge!”
Warnock proceeded to add that he believes that the Terriers can avoid relegation this season, as he said: “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!”
Huddersfield confirmed that Warnock will take up his role on Thursday (16 February), with interim Head Coach, Narcis Pelach remaining in charge for Wednesday’s trip to Stoke City before he resumes his previous role as part of Warnock’s coaching staff.
Ex Huddersfield striker, Ronnie Jepson will meanwhile be Warnock’s assistant manager in another return for the club, alongside Warnock.
Huddersfield’s Managing Director, Dave Baldwin added that Warnock’s “care” for the club and fans made the decision to re-appoint him as manager as “all-important” for their chances of survival given his extensive experiences – having guided eight teams in total to various promotions.
On Warnock’s huge task between now and end of season, Baldwin added: “We clearly have a big challenge ahead of us in our remaining games, with a very clear objective, and Neil’s vast experience and knowledge will be a massive boost as we face that head-on.
“His relationship with this club should also really galvanise the players and the supporters. That unity will be of the upmost importance between now and the end of the season; we all need to pull in the same direction to achieve our goal.”
Huddersfield’s first match under Warnock will take place on home turf at the John Smith’s Stadium against Birmingham City in a 3pm GMT kick-off on Saturday 18 February.