Huddersfield Town make Dean Whitehead their first summer signing on two-year deal

Huddersfield Town have made former Middlesbrough midfielder Dean Whitehead their first close-season signing.

The 33-year-old, who can also play at right-back, has signed a two-year deal.

Whitehead’s experience and flexibility appeals to Town boss Chris Powell.

The manager was delighted to get someone of Whitehead's experience on board and said: “Bringing Dean Whitehead to the club was among my top priorities during this transfer window, so I’m delighted to welcome him to Huddersfield Town today.

“His arrival is testament to our policy of staying patient to ensure we recruit the right players for this club.

"The Championship is a tough and relentless division and the addition of Dean will mean we are better equipped to deal with the challenges that brings.

“Dean has proven ability and quality that will improve us.

“He has a vast wealth of experience at the top level of English football.

“He made a big contribution to a team that was excellent last year and was defensively strong. He's actually played more games than our other senior midfielders – Jacob Butterfield, Conor Coady and Jonathan Hogg – have combined.

“As well as that ability, I have often talked about how important organisation and game management is and I believe Dean will help to us that in the vital midfield area of the pitch for us, whether that is helping to lead us through difficult periods in a game or seeing out a game.

“He will complement the players we already have and add to the competition and depth of the group and use his experience and know how to help our younger players too.”

Powell revealed Town are still on the lookout for further additions this summer, with a left-back and central defender understood to be high on his wishlist.

“The hard work behind the scenes will continue as we look to recruit further in the key areas we have identified to help the club progress in the coming Sky Bet Championship season, but today's signing is an excellent start,” he added.

Twice a Championship promotion winner with Sunderland, Whitehead has also played for Oxford United and Stoke City.

He has been at Boro for two years, making 63 appearances for an overall career tally of 557 (29 goals).

His last game was the Championship play-off final defeat by Norwich City at Wembley.

Whitehead will join up with fellow former Middlesbrough midfielder Jacob Butterfield at Town.

The pair will be reunited when pre-season training starts next Wednesday, July 1.