Huddersfield Town Appoint Former Clarets Defender As Boss

Michael Duff Appointed New Manager of Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town have today appointed former Clarets defender Michael Duff as the new Head Coach of Huddersfield Town. The forty-six year old has previously been in charge of Cheltenham Town, Swansea City and Barnsley Football Club, having departed the Welsh side in December 2023. His work with the club will begin with immediate effect, ready for pre-season ahead of the 2024/25 Sky Bet League One season.

Having enjoyed a playing career spanning two decades with Cheltenham Town & Burnley, Belfast born Duff also represented Northern Ireland on twenty-four occasions from central defence. Joining the Burnley academy as coach after hanging up his playing boots in 2016, his first management role would see him return to another former club in Cheltenham.

In charge for four years in Gloucestershire, he took the Robins up from Sky Bet League Two as champions whilst being named Manager of the Season, before guiding the club to their highest ever league finish at the end of the 2021/22 campaign as they ended the season 15th in Sky Bet League One.

In recognition of his work with Cheltenham, Duff was then appointed Head Coach of Barnsley in June 2022. Collecting three Manager of the Month awards in his debut campaign at Oakwell in Sky Bet League One, he steered the Tykes to the Play-Off Final where they were beaten narrowly by Sheffield Wednesday in extra-time.

Attracting attention from the Sky Bet Championship following 32 victories in 58 matches in South Yorkshire, Swansea City then moved to secure Duff in June 2023 after agreeing a significant compensation package to guarantee his release. Despite showing promise at stages in South Wales with one run of four consecutive victories the highlight before Duff was dismissed by the Swans in December 2023.

With close to 300 games at Head Coach to date, Duff will now take charge of the Terriers on a three-year contract ahead of the 2024/25 season. Details of Michael’s coaching staff will be confirmed in due course.