Huddersfield Town have today announced the appointment of former Borussia Dortmund reserve team manager David Wagner as their new head coach following the sacking of Chris Powell.

Massive chance for Wagner

The 44-year-old replaces Powell at 18th-placed Huddersfield. He was dismissed by the club's hierarchy, who cited a "change of direction" as their reasoning behind the decision which was made on Wednesday.

Speculation had initially been rife that Wagner would join up with his former associate from Dortmund, Jürgen Klopp, as part of the Anfield backroom staff after leaving his role in Westfalen at the start of the month. However an opportunity of outright management proved to be just too good for Wagner, who represented the United States of America internationally during his playing career.

Under the stewardship of Wagner, Borussia Dortmund II were promoted to the third tier of German football in 2012 in Wagner's finest achievement in management thus far, but the team returned to the fourth tier, or Regionalliga, last season. Wagner left Dortmund with a win percentage of 46.67% from 60 matches in charge.

Doyle delighted with the appointment

Speaking about the appointment to the Huddersfield Town club website, chairman Dean Hoyle said: "It is a new departure for us. He will be head coach; he is the club's first from outside the UK and Ireland and he brings a new approach and new ideas." He continued, "In his own words, and as we hope will be seen in practice, his playing style echoes the one that has brought Borussia Dortmund such success over the last five years."

Current academy manager Mark Lillis will however take the reigns for Huddersfield's key derby clash with Leeds United on Saturday, with Wagner officially starting work on Monday 9th November. There is plenty of discussion between Huddersfield fans as to whether or not he will be a success, though he will have the international break to prepare his players before taking on in-form Sheffield Wednesday.

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