Huddersfield Town Turn Focus to Managerial Appointment as Preparations for Next Season Begin
With Huddersfield Town now officially out of the running for a League One play-off spot, the club can start planning for the 2024-25 campaign.
With seven senior players set to become free agents this summer, significant changes are expected at the John Smith’s Stadium. However, the club’s most crucial addition is likely to come in the form of a new manager rather than new signings on the pitch. The Terriers have struggled since parting ways with Michael Duff in early March and have postponed the appointment of a permanent replacement until the summer.
Several candidates, including Brian Barry-Murphy, Des Buckingham, and former manager David Wagner, have been linked with the role. As the season draws to a close, Huddersfield’s leadership will want to secure a new boss early in the off-season.
David Prutton Urges Huddersfield to Target Rob Edwards
Over recent years, Huddersfield have experimented with a range of managerial profiles—from international managers like Andre Breitenreiter to traditional English figures such as Neil Warnock, and younger names including Darren Moore and Michael Duff.
Unfortunately, none of these appointments managed to deliver lasting success. With the club now finishing outside the play-off spots in League One, getting the next managerial decision right is critical to reigniting their push for promotion.
EFL pundit David Prutton believes Huddersfield should seriously consider Rob Edwards for the vacancy. Speaking to Football League World, Prutton said:
“Rob Edwards should definitely be someone Huddersfield Town are looking at. His reputation remains high, even though his last season with Luton was tough. His work at Luton was outstanding.
He’s a fantastic leader, tactically intelligent, empathetic, and a strong motivator. Any League One club would be lucky to have him.
That said, while Huddersfield are a big club in the wrong league, I suspect Edwards may be aiming for a role at a slightly higher level.”
Edwards’ Impressive Track Record at Luton
Although his stint at Luton ended earlier this year, Edwards is still praised for his remarkable achievements with the Hatters.
After a brief and difficult time at Watford, Edwards joined Luton in November 2022 when they were tenth in the Championship. Against all expectations, he guided them to Premier League promotion for the first time since 1992, winning a dramatic play-off final against Coventry City.
Despite Luton’s financial disadvantages and many predicting immediate relegation, Edwards took the Premier League survival fight to the final day of the season.
Off the pitch, Edwards earned admiration for his handling of sensitive situations, including the collapse of club captain Tom Lockyer during the Championship play-off final and a Premier League game against Bournemouth. His composure and compassion during those moments only enhanced his standing.
As Prutton noted, Edwards’ managerial stock remains very high, and whichever club secures his services next will be gaining a talented and respected young coach.
