Sam Allardyce: ‘Highly unlikely’ I would consider replacing David Wagner at Huddersfield
David Wagner left Huddersfield by 'mutual consent' after three-and-a-half years on Monday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sam Allardyce has said it is “very unlikely” that he would consider replacing David Wagner as Huddersfield manager.
Wagner left the Terriers by “mutual consent” on Monday after the club’s 0-0 draw at Cardiff on the weekend, claiming he needed a break from the “rigours of football management”, with Huddersfield rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.
Allardyce was believed to be one of Huddersfield’s prime candidates due to his reputation as a specialist in such relegation escapes, however, in an interview with TalkSport on Tuesday, the former England manager admitted he felt relegation was already a too realistic prospect the club.
“As much as I like Huddersfield Town, it’s a very difficult job indeed,” Allardyce said.
“For me, it’s got to be planning for what’s going to look like relegation. Planning for next season and trying to get back up to the Premier League. For me, at this stage of my life, if they made an approach I would chat with them but it’s highly unlikely.
“I think that him [Wagner] being brave enough to say that [he needed time away from football] shows just how much pressure he’s felt this season and how much he’s tried to get them out of trouble.
“They’re desperate for results but he’s been able to have that conversation with the board. A new manager coming in, you would hope, would have a positive effect, a lift in results but whether you can maintain that comes down to you as a manager.”
Allardyce also hinted at Huddersfield’s lack of a striker as a detraction from taking up the role. The Terriers’ top scorer is currently Danish centre-back Mathias Jorgensen, while Steve Mounie has scored just once in 18 league appearances.
“I’ve managed to pull teams out of the bottom end of the table but at Sunderland I had Jermain Defoe and at Crystal Palace I had Christian Benteke. Their goals helped massively. I’ve watched a lot of their games and they’ve always been close but they’ve ended up drawing instead of winning and losing instead of drawing.
“If you go and do a rescue job then both you and the owners will decide if you want to continue the job you’re doing and try and progress the club. I have that tag at the moment and that is how it is.”
Huddersfield’s U23s coach, Mark Hudson, will coach the side for next Sunda’s clash with Manchester City but is not believed to be a potential candidate for the full-time role.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments