The Millennium Dome opened, Aston Villa reached (and lost) the last FA Cup Final at the Old Wembley, Big Brother aired for the first time, Britney Spears and NSync topped the UK charts and Huddersfield Town finished 8th in the then Division One.

The year? 2000.

And as David Wagner continues to make his mark on a Town squad brimming with talent and desire, he looks set to guide Town to their highest finish since.

A quick glance at the club's recent run would have been enough to convince Chairman Dean Hoyle that a change in approach was necessary.

Since promotion from League One in 2012, Huddersfield have finished 19th, 17th and 16th.

Improvement in name only - they actually collected more points in 2012/13 than in either season since. In reality, Town were treading water.

But Wagner looks well-placed to better any of the last 15 seasons, in both position and points.

Watch Dean Hoyle on 2016/17 season cards

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Speaking to the Examiner this week about his future plans for the club, it is evident that the Chairman had greater ambitions both in final position and the brand of football being associated with the John Smith's Stadium.

But appointing Wagner was a risk - the first foreign manager in Town's history, the former Borussia Dortmund II chief has a markedly different CV and approach from the average candidate for a Championship management job.

But it has proved an inspired decision.

Not counting the Leeds game, when he had a watching brief ahead of his official unveiling, Wagner has now taken charge of the same number of Championship games this season as Chris Powell. He has six wins to Powell's three, while the change in attacking emphasis is underlined by 26 goals scored in that time compared with 16 under Powell.

When Wagner took over, Huddersfield were a measly two points above the relegation places after a solitary win in eight games.

It hasn't always been plain sailing under the new boss, but win, lose or draw he has stuck to his philosophy, which has not only produced a more entertaining style on the pitch but has rightly inspired belief in the stands.

Sky Bet Championship - Brighton (2) v Huddersfield Town (1) - Town fans.


There is now faith that Town can respond to setbacks and emerge stronger, rather than wilt. After a four game losing streak they travelled to the Championship's in-form side and not only won, but turned in what Dougie Freedman described as the best away performance of the season at the City Ground.

Saturday's visitors, Wolves, are unlikely to relish their trip to Yorkshire to face a Town side reinvigorated and searching for the wins and points that will catapult them up the table and yield a strong finish to the season on which to build.

The dizzying heights of eighth may be too much to contemplate this term, but you sense Wagner isn't one to shy away from a challenge - and next season promises much to get excited about, even if it is only February.

Wagner has money to spend, has identified targets and looks set to bring in fresh faces to a squad that has already improved significantly under his stewardship.

He will have a full pre-season with his players, the majority of whom will have already spent six months learning and improving in his philosophy.

And Dean Hoyle is offering fantastic prices for season ticket holders to be there every step of the way.

The club has a long term vision, and a plan for how to get there.

But first, business has to be taken care of in 2015/16. With 15 games left, Wagner will be hopeful of guiding his side to their best finish, and points haul, since cinema-goers were watching Gladiator on the big screen.