Dean Whitehead is staying at Huddersfield Town .
The experienced vice-captain has rejected a move to Championship rivals Rotherham United.
Now he will battle it out with new arrivals Ivan Paurevic and Australian international Aaron Mooy as well as Jonathan Hogg, Philip Billing and Kyle Dempsey for one of the midfield berths in David Wagner’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
Whitehead, who has a year remaining on his contract (it’s thought Rotherham were offering two-year terms) joined Town from Middlesbrough 12 months ago and made 36 appearances last season.
It would have been more had it not been for a knee injury which sidelined him for a month and a half over Christmas.
The ex-Stoke City and Sunderland man, who started out at Oxford United, also stood in for Mark Hudson when the Town skipper was out injured.
Like Hudson, Whitehead is keen to move into coaching after his playing career ends and has just completed a UEFA A licence course.
But he is still firmly focused on playing and explained: “It’s flattering to be wanted and I received an offer and had a good look.
“I just feel Huddersfield is the place for me and the reaction of the fans in wanting me to stay was great.
“I had a chat with the manager and I was happy with what I heard.
“He is someone I like and I like the way he plays and the way he has changed the club.
“I want to stay here and fight for my place.
“Pre-season has been good so far, I feel nice and fresh and I am looking forward to another season.”
Whitehead is in the frame to face Liverpool but Croatian Paurevic will miss a second friendly after a bout of illness.
