Huddersfield Town owner Kevin Nagle has explained the key reasoning behind the appointment of Lee Grant at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The former Burnley, Stoke City, and Manchester United goalkeeper has developed a reputation as one of the country’s most highly regarded managers, with a club statement and Nagle’s remarks providing Terriers fans with plenty of reason to be optimistic heading into the new season.
Kevin Nagle explains why Lee Grant was appointed manager of Huddersfield Town
Nagle has frequently divided supporters since taking over the club in June 2023, as while the American has been extremely transparent, that hasn’t translated into success on the pitch, with Town relegated from the Championship during his first season in charge, before finishing last season in 10th place in League One following a disastrous end to the campaign.
| Huddersfield Town since PL relegation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season | League | Finish |
| 2024/25 | League One | 10th |
| 2023/24 | Championship | 23rd |
| 2022/23 | Championship | 18th |
| 2021/22 | Championship | 3rd |
| 2020/21 | Championship | 20th |
| 2019/20 | Championship | 18th |
While Grant lacks the managerial experience of others linked with the position, the club confirmed that the Hemel Hempstead-born man was recommended to the club by the FA during their lengthy search for a new manager, having completed his coaching badges and worked with some of the country’s and Europe’s top tacticians, as well as playing a significant role in Ipswich’s back-to-back promotions between 2023 and 2024.
These were only a few of the primary reasons why Nagle handed Grant a three-year deal without hesitation.
“Throughout our due diligence, it was evident how remarkable Lee’s coaching work was, and his reputation could not have been greater among those who had crossed his path. “He has contributed to successful teams both on and off the pitch throughout his career, and we believe he will be well positioned to continue at Town,” Nagle added.
“We will support Lee and collaborate to form a team to assist us achieve our objectives this season and beyond. His ideals and desire are consistent with ours, and I look forward to watching him lead our First Team into another critical campaign,” the Town owner added.
Huddersfield Town supporters should be encouraged by Lee Grant appointment
The aforementioned club statement also featured a strong recommendation from McKenna as Grant left Portman Road, highlighting how much of his contribution in East Anglia went unnoticed by the outside world while the Northern Irishman earned the most accolades.
While some may have hoped for a more experienced figure in the dugout given Town’s current situation, this appointment should excite those at the John Smith’s because he brings with him a new and exciting philosophy that can bring out the best in key attacking players such as Joe Taylor, Dion Charles, and Antony Evans.
Supporters only need to look at what Birmingham City achieved in the third tier during Chris Davies’ first season as manager after working as a coach for Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.
And, while the finances on offer at the two clubs aren’t exactly comparable, Huddersfield were ESTIMATED to have the division’s second-largest wage bill, implying that a new outlook could return the club to where it should be in League One given the club’s stature and resources, which are challenging for promotion.
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