KEN DAVY has been confirmed as Town's new chairman just 24 hours before the Galpharm clash with MK Dons.

Already supremo of the Super League Giants, the business magnate who rescued Town from potential financial ruin 15 months ago has previously resisted taking the post.

Now, with Town making firm strides both on and off the field, the 63-year-old heads a football club board planning to achieve further success under manager Peter Jackson in Coca-Cola League I.

"I really am enjoying the football and having been frequently asked by colleagues `When are you going to become chairman?' it seemed right and proper to do so," said Mr Davy, whose Sporting Pride banner covers both the town's professional clubs.

"In essence, it's only a technical change because visiting clubs have seen me as chairman anyway, but I'm proud to take the mantle and thank everyone for their support.

"The club is making very solid progress and, while there is still a mountain of debt, it is not as big as it was 15 months ago and, if things go to plan, we should be just the right side of `break even' in the next 12 months or so."

Ninth in the table before tomorrow's clash (3.00) and attracting regular five-figure gates, Mr Davy added:

"We couldn't be making such progress without the support and commitment of everyone in the club, from the junior staff right through to Andrew Watson as chief executive and the board, and I can't praise them enough for their efforts.

"They've just done a fantastic job and their task has been made possible by the absolutely tremendous achievements of Peter Jackson and the team on the pitch and the magnificent backing of the club's supporters."

On delaying the decision to become chairman, Mr Davy joked: "I've obviously been chairman of the company since the rescue.

"But on the basis of already being Giants chairman I didn't feel it appropriate to be immediately Town chairman - the prospect of one group of fans chanting `chairman out' is enough for most people, let alone two groups!"

Staff chief Watson said: "Being the modest man that he is, Ken did not want to make a big announcement about it because little will change in the actual day-to-day running of Town, but it is a real boost for the club.

"Ken is a quality businessman and a huge supporter of sport in Huddersfield.

"Ken has always left the daily running of the club to Peter and me and that will stay the same. Ken and I have enjoyed a great relationship and, along with the rest of the board, secretary Ann Hough and Peter Jackson, we have made an excellent team.

"We all enjoyed a successful season last season, both on and off the field, and have received fantastic backing from our talented staff and loyal supporters.

"When the history book is written for the centenary in 2008, Ken will have a significant chapter for himself."

Manager Jackson, who has just signed a new three-year contract, said it was "excellent news."

He added: "Ken allows myself and Andrew Watson to get on with running the club and, with his backing, I'm sure the club will never find itself in the situation it was 15 months ago.

"He took on a massive job in saving the club, accepted a monumental challenge in trying to take it forward and he has already achieved tremendous success for which he deserves everyone's thanks.

"I have the utmost respect for him, not just because of his expertise in the business world but because of the dignified way he treats people, and he's an excellent person."

Along with Davy and Watson, Town's board includes Roger Armitage and Ralph Rimmer, who is also stadium chief executive.