Hudson: "Wagner gave Huddersfield an identity"
Friday 18 January 2019 12:47, UK
Huddersfield Town's caretaker manager Mark Hudson says David Wagner deserves full respect for his achievements at the club.
Wagner left the club by mutual consent on Monday with the club bottom of the Premier League with 11 points from 22 games.
The German arrived at Huddersfield in November 2015 when they were struggling in the Championship, before stabilising their position and securing promotion to the Premier League the following season.
Hudson said of Wagner's departure: "It's been an emotional start to the week for everyone involved at the club. They made the decision for a change.
"And I think from my point of view we look forward to Sunday. It's a big game. In the earlier part of the week, there were a few goodbyes, which is what you would imagine.
"His time here for three and half years at the club, he deserves full respect from everyone. He's created an identity; he brought everyone close together from the community.
"Everyone that works at the stadium, the fans - we fully respect what he has done here. That should be the message.
"I will still be in contact with him. He has done a lot for me in my time here as a player and then into a coaching role.I have learnt a lot from him in that period of time."
Hudson worked as U23s coach under Wagner and will take charge of the senior side for their next game against Manchester City, live on Sky Sports.
Asked what he knew about the vacant managerial position and if he would take the role full-time, Hudson said: "From my point of view it is to come in and oversee this week and the game on Sunday. So my main focus is that.
"Try and make an impact on the lads and go into the game with real intent and try and get something from it.
"My process is to oversee this week. The conversations I've had with the club are look forward to Sunday and can we make an impact and have the lads raring to go."
