Dean Hoyle says he would be delighted to see Jack Hunt make a real impact in the Premier League.
The Town chairman’s comments came as the right-back’s £2m move to Crystal Palace was finally rubber-stamped.
The 22-year-old academy product has agreed a four-year contract with the top-flight new boys, who launched their bid last Friday.
Hunt is back at his Leeds home preparing for his move South after watching Palace pick up their first Premier win, 3-1 over Sunderland at Selhurst Park.
He made 121 Town appearances, scoring four goals, but had not started any of the four games before Palace made their move, with Adam Hammill taking the right wing-back slot.
Hunt returned from a loan spell at Chesterfield to make a high-profile full debut in the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Arsenal, which Town lost 2-1, at the Emirates in January 2011.
Now he has the chance to go back there in league action, and Hoyle said: “Right from his first loan, to Grays Athletic (in 2009-10), we had a strong belief in Jack’s ability.
“We could have sold him after his loans, but backed him to succeed and push on. Like all young players he needed an opportunity and that really came at Arsenal.
“To see a player come through from Under 10 level, develop and play in the first team is a credit to all concerned and will bring pride to all the people and coaches who played a part.
“Jack leaves with our best wishes. Everyone at Huddersfield Town hopes he will make a real impact at Premier League level.”
Town manager Mark Robins said: “Jack has been a valued member of the squad during my time at the club and I would like to wish him the best of luck.
“It’s a great move for Jack and it’s also the right move for the club. It’s important for us to continue to show this club develops players and has a flourishing academy.”
Hunt said: “I’d like to thank the chairman and directors. If it wasn’t for them I would probably have moved on after my loans.
“They showed incredible faith and trust in me and have played a massive part in starting my career.
“I would also like to thank Town’s fans. As a young player, they really helped me settle into the team – right from my full debut at Arsenal and ever since.
“I’ve been at the club for a long time and Town will always hold a special place in my heart, but now I have an exciting new challenge to go and play Premier League football.
“As for Town, with the chairman, (chief executive) Nigel Clibbens, (head of football operations) Ross Wilson and the manager in charge, I believe the future is very bright.”
The international break means Palace don’t play again until Saturday week, September 14 – against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
