Diehard fans recovering from the emotional rollercoaster of yesterday’s Wembley win were today assessing what promotion will mean for Huddersfield Town – and the town itself.

There’s no doubt it will be a game changer in every sense of the word.

Dave Scholefield from the North Stand Loyal supporters’ group

Dave Scholefield (front) with fellow Huddersfield Town supporters who are moving to the bottom of the Panasonic stand at the John Smith's Stadium with one of the flags which they take to matches, the fans held a meeting at the Canalside sports complex to discuss new flag designs for their new area of the stadium.
Dave Scholefield (front) with fellow Huddersfield Town

Mr Scholefield said: “It feels surreal – but it means so much to the club, the fans and their families. What you saw yesterday was generations coming together. I was talking to a granddad, a dad and a son who all had their ages on the back of their Town shirts. People who had watched Town in the Cowshed at the old ground were crying uncontrollably and hugging strangers.

“After the game, streaming out towards the tube stations or going for a drink, they were quiet. People weren’t doing cartwheels. Everyone had spent all their energy. Tonight, at the parade, they will be back in full voice again when the reality of what Town have done kicks in.”

Dave added: “This can bring investment to the town. By being in the Premier League we are on a level with the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool. I think this can be the remaking of Huddersfield. I’m proud of the town and the team and the people.”

Bob Pepper from the Huddersfield Town Supporters Association

Huddersfield Town Supporters Association secretary, Robert Pepper (right) at the association meeting with author of the biography of legendary Town manager, Herbert Chapman

Mr Pepper said promotion was “massive” for the club.

He added: “I never expected us to be anywhere near this. I was saying all the way that getting to the play-offs would be a bonus but we have had a season that has outstripped our expectations. The supporters would have settled for 10th place and would have seen that as really good progress but to win at Wembley is incredible.”

He said the implications for the town were “immense.”

“We are the only Yorkshire club in the Premier League,” he said. “We are going to promote who we are and what we are as a town. There are going to be more people wanting to go to away matches. It’s 45 years since we were in the old First Division. A lot of people have never seen Town in the top flight. Now they will want to be part of it.”

Keith Hanvey, former Town captain and club commercial manager

Keith Hanvey

Mr Hanvey said the “obscene finances” surrounding football emphasised what an immense challenge Town faced to get to the top. He said the club had “achieved success both on and off the field thanks to astute and dedicated management which has maximised the potential and abilities of all concerned."

“David Wagner had got every tiny morsel out of his staff and players,” he said. “There were no stars and all contributed in a structured squad performance over a long season.”

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Recalling the dark days of Town being in administration, Keith said: “I gave a thought yesterday to the Survival Trust which in 2003 I think was a massive blip in the history of Huddersfield Town and there were many times when I felt the club would not survive. Those people involved, of which there were many, should now feel an immense pride that their town and club are in good hands and in fine shape.”

Colne Valley MP and Town fan Jason McCartney

Jason McCartney
Jason McCartney

Mr McCartney, who was at Wembley to watch Town’s victory, said: “It’s an incredible boost for the town. It’s put smiles on everyone’s faces and everyone has a spring in their step. It’s a massive boost to our civic pride but also economically – putting Huddersfield not just on the UK map but the world map as Huddersfield Town games will be beamed across the world.

“When our world-class businesses are doing deals, people will know where Huddersfield is and what we are about. The football club under Dean Hoyle has been incredibly pro-business and have always seen themselves as a key part of the town – not just having success on the pitch but boosting the town economically. This is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter for the town.”

University of Huddersfield Vice-Chancellor Prof Bob Cryan

Professor Bob Cryan

Prof Cryan said: “When I first met Dean Hoyle he asked if there was anything he could do for me and I said yes, get us into the Premiership! I never dreamed he would have achieved it and it is fantastic for both the town and the university.

“This immediately puts Huddersfield on the map and it will help all local businesses, the university included. In particular it will help us overseas as the name Huddersfield will become well known through the international Premiership viewing rights, in China in particular and, hopefully, it will draw more international students to Huddersfield, which will benefit everyone.”

Steven Leigh, head of policy at the Huddersfield-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Steve Leigh, Head of Policy at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Mr Leigh said that for all the financial calculations attached to the play-off final, sport was the winner on an “exceptional day” for the club and the town.

Injecting a degree of realism, he added: “We have a great team and a cool, calm and collected manager, but we have to bear in mind that Manchester City and Chelsea are buying one-and-a-half players for £100m. We are in the same position as similar clubs to us like Burnley and Bournemouth in terms of the money we will have to spend.”

Kirklees Council leader Clr David Sheard said: “All of Yorkshire should be proud of the achievement of Huddersfield Town as they maintain a Yorkshire presence in the Premiership. It hopefully will be the start to another chapter in the proud history of Huddersfield Town.

“All involved in the success deserve a massive vote of thanks. Onwards and upwards from now on.

“The success is massive news for not just Huddersfield, but for all Kirklees and for Yorkshire.”