DEAN HOYLE says it’s business as usual at Town after the departure of performance coach Steve Black for personal reasons.
The club’s owner and chairman has moved quickly to quash suggestions of discontent in the Galpharm camp – and reaffirmed his belief that Lee Clark is the right man to take Town forward.
Hoyle also revealed he has met the squad to discuss the controversial programme column in which he criticised their performance in the 1-0 League I defeat at Oldham a fortnight ago.
Black, who arrived alongside Clark in December 2008, has left with immediate effect, leaving the manager, his assistant Terry McDermott and first-team coach Paul Stephenson to prepare the team for tomorrow’s key FA Cup second-round home clash with Macclesfield.
Clark is the fourth man handed the task of taking Town into the Championship since their promotion to League I in 2004, and with the club fifth in the table, Hoyle said: “This club has suffered greatly in the past from short-term decision making, such as the sale of Marcus Stewart or hiring and firing managers every season or after a bad run.
“Having suffered a few boos against Exeter (when Town lost 1-0 last Saturday) I think people outside the club are trying to look for cracks, but Huddersfield Town are different.
“Lee Clark has clocked up more than 100 games in charge and we have a quality squad placed very handily as the second half of the season approaches.
“We are benefiting from stability in the manager’s office and I am 100% behind Lee. Come rain or shine, he will be manager of this football club come the end of the season.
“I know Lee very well now – our relationship has gone beyond the usual ‘chairman-manager’ dynamic.
“We are very similar in a lot of ways. We had a similar upbringing in that we started with very little in life and it was our own drive and determination that got us to where we are today.
“I wish everyone could see just how hard he works, because I can tell you it’s inspiring. He desperately wants to bring success to this club and I’ve not seen defeat hit anyone harder.
“Lee wears his heart on his sleeve and it’s refreshing to see a manager care so much about every aspect of the club.
“As I have told Lee personally, I am more confident than ever that he is the man to lead this club to success.
“We selected him for the job back in 2008 because of the qualities he showed and he is still learning, just like we all are, but we went very close last season and we are all aiming to go one better this time.
“My recommendation to everyone connected with Huddersfield Town is to give it your all this season, players, staff and supporters alike.
“We all want the same thing, so let’s go forward together as one big unit. If we can do that, we will give ourselves every chance of success.”
Commenting on the programme notes debate, Hoyle added: “On Monday I had a meeting with the entire playing staff to explain the reasoning behind my column and to give them the chance to discuss it in detail.
“It was a frank and honest exchange. I explained my thoughts and the players were very forthright in giving their views too.
“Following that meeting, I have no doubt that the players have the desire and belief to drive this club forward. Just like Lee Clark, I am 100% behind every single player at this football club.”
Hoyle continued: “Huddersfield Town are evolving and developing as a club all the time and that means people will join and leave.
“In recent weeks Derek Fazackerley moved to Leicester City and Steve Watson has joined us as development coach.
“Now Steve Black has left the club and he will be missed. When anyone leaves it is regrettable, but it is part and parcel of the game and we have to move on.”
Clark, who also worked with the renowned sports fitness conditioner and psychologist at Fulham, Sunderland, Newcastle and Norwich, said: “Blackie has left for personal reasons and I know he will celebrate the club’s success if we are promoted come the end of the season.”
