HUDDERSFIELD’S big day out at Wembley is set to put the town on the national map, say civic leaders.
The town’s profile will be raised across the country as thousands in blue and white stripes head for London on Saturday week.
Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan believes Huddersfield Town’s play-off final showdown with Sheffield United could have lasting benefits.
“It’s a massive chance for the town - and the whole of Kirklees - to get noticed for all the right reasons,” he said.
“Huddersfield will be in the national spotlight and the positive media coverage will be priceless.
“This comes just at the time when we are keen to encourage inward investment and we can showcase what we have to offer businesses wanting to come here.”
Town’s commercial director Sean Jarvis, also chairman of the pro-Huddersfield business group ‘The Place to Make It’ added: “To get to Wembley is a fantastic achievement and it really puts Huddersfield on the map.”
Mr Jarvis said the club’s sponsors were delighted at the prospect of Wembley.
“We have developed relationships with a lot of businesses and I could clearly hear the excitement in the voices of the people I have spoken to,” he added.
Lindley Lib Dem councillor Cahal Burke, a Town season ticket-holder, said 40-goal striker Jordan Rhodes was the key.
“The way Jordan Rhodes is playing no-one can stop him. Just give him the ball!”
Clr Burke said the Wembley experience would give the whole Town a lift.
“It’s fantastic for the town and will put us on the map even more.
“The Giants are doing well and Town are doing well and that always generates a good buzz.
“I watched the game back on Sky and the commentators were saying how good the Town support was and the stadium and that’s great publicity.
“Wembley will be a brilliant day out.”
Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman also welcomed the Wembley trip and said: "It's very good news for the football club and for the town as a whole.
"It will certainly raise the profile of Huddersfield.
"Hopefully it will be third time lucky after the play-off disappointments of the last two years."
