Huddersfield sack Chris Powell

In a surprising move Huddersfield Town have sacked manager Chris Powell just hours after the team secured an impressive draw away at Championship high-flyers Reading.

Powell was given the Huddersfield job in September of last year after leaving Charlton and has faced an uphill challenge after he was forced into selling key players such as midfielder Jacob Butterfield and goalkeeper Alex Smithies over the summer.

In a statement on the club’s official website, Huddersfield Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens said: “We have decided to make this change after very careful deliberation. It is made with the long term interests of the Club in mind. It signals a change of direction by the Club and a new approach.

“Chris worked to represent Huddersfield Town to the best of his ability; to develop us, improve us and take us forward. He now leaves us well placed for the future challenges ahead.

“With his skills and qualities as a person, it won’t be too long before Chris finds a new challenge and we wish him success when that comes.”

After last night’s 2-2 draw at the Madejski Stadium, The Terriers are currently sitting in 18th place in the Championship on 15 points.

It was also confirmed by the Terriers that Powell’s assistant Alex Dyer will follow the 46 year-old out of the John Smith‘s Stadium and academy boss Mark Lills will take charge of Saturday’s Yorkshire derby against Leeds.