Jan Siewert signs deal to become Huddersfield's new manager

Head coach Jan  of Borussia Dortmund II gestures during the friendly match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 II and Borussia Dortmund II on July 21, 2018 in Mayen, Germany
Siewert is said to have signed a two-and-a-half-year contract Credit: Getty Images

Jan Siewert has been confirmed as Huddersfield Town's new head coach, with chairman Dean Hoyle insisting the club will continue "to fight" in their battle to avoid relegation.

Siewert has agreed to take charge of the Premier League’s bottom club and at 36 is the youngest manager in the top-flight, five years younger than Bournemouth's Eddie Howe.

The Borussia Dortmund under-23s coach quickly emerged as Hoyle’s No. 1 target after the departure of David Wagner last week and has signed a two-and-a-half year contract. 

It is undoubtedly an ambitious, perhaps risky, move by Hoyle and the club's video announcement on social media even included an appearance from Martin Warhurst , a Manchester City supporter who was mistaken for Siewert by a Sky Sports reporter on Sunday.

Yet Hoyle insists the German's appointment is not a gamble and believes Siewert "has a huge ambition to be a success".

He said: "His reputation in the game is very good. He's known as a coach who is ambitious, has many qualities and who has strong philosophies. As such, it came as no surprise to us when he moved to one of the world's biggest clubs, Borussia Dortmund.

“Many of his core philosophies and beliefs about how he wants his teams to play match our own. He likes high-effort, high-intensity, high-pressing football that is good to watch. 

"This is a challenging time for our club, make no mistake, but we have an exciting head coach on our hands, I’m sure."

Huddersfield have lost nine of their last ten matches and are ten points adrift of safety after the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

After being knocked out of the FA Cup by Bristol City earlier this month, Huddersfield are not back in action until January 29, when they face Everton.

Hoyle added: “In the short-term, we will continue to fight as hard as possible against relegation from the Premier League. We’re not giving up on that.

“We will also plan for the medium and long-term, whatever the outcome. Jan is committed to us and is excited to take on the challenges we have ahead, whatever they look like.

“I’m so excited about this appointment. Our last three-and-a-half years have been unbelievable, but now we look to the future under a new Head Coach desperate to be a success at our Club.”

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