Huddersfield Town A.F.C. facts for kids
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| Full name | Huddersfield Town Association Football Club | |||
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| Nickname(s) | The Terriers | |||
| Founded | 15 August 1908 | |||
| Ground | John Smith's Stadium | |||
| Capacity | 24,121 | |||
| Owner | Kevin M. Nagle | |||
| Chairman | Kevin M. Nagle | |||
| Head coach | Michael Duff | |||
| League | Championship | |||
| 2018–19 | Premier League, 20th of 20 (relegated) | |||
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Huddersfield Town Association Football Club, often called Huddersfield Town or just Town, is a professional association football team from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. They play in Championship, which is the third level of English football.
The club was started on 15 August 1908. They joined the Football League in 1910. Huddersfield Town won the FA Cup in 1922. They also made history by winning the top league title three times in a row: in 1923–24, 1924–25, and 1925–26. This was a huge achievement!
Over the years, Huddersfield Town has moved up and down through different leagues. They even reached the Premier League in 2017 after winning three play-off finals. They played in the Premier League for two seasons before being relegated in 2019. In 2024, they were relegated from the EFL Championship.
Since 1994, the team has played their home games at the Kirklees Stadium, which is now known as the John Smith's Stadium. Their team colours are blue and white stripes, chosen in 1913. Their nickname, "The Terriers", was adopted in 1969. Huddersfield Town has strong rivalries with other West Yorkshire teams like Bradford City and Leeds United.
Contents
The History of Huddersfield Town
Early Years and Golden Days (1908–1945)
Huddersfield Town was founded in 1908. The club bought land for their first stadium, Leeds Road, for £500. They joined the North Eastern League and then the Midland League to save money on travel. To join the Football League, they hired architect Archibald Leitch to improve Leeds Road. They planned for a 4,000-seat stand and space for 34,000 fans. In 1910, Huddersfield joined the Football League.
However, building costs were high, and not enough fans came to games. In 1912, the club faced big money problems, but a new company was formed to keep the club going.
In 1919, the club was in debt. The chairman, John Hilton Crowther, even thought about merging Town with Leeds United and moving to Leeds. But the fans rallied together, raised money, and saved the club! After this, the team reached the 1920 FA Cup final and won promotion to the top league, the First Division, for the first time.
Winning the FA Cup and League Titles
In their first season in the top league, Herbert Chapman became the manager. Chapman was a very smart manager. He focused on strong defence and quick counter-attacks, using short passes and fast wingers. He also made sure players were very fit and had a good system for finding new talent.
The team won their first major trophy, the FA Cup, in 1922, beating Preston North End 1–0. They also won the Charity Shield that year. In the 1923–24 season, Huddersfield Town won their first ever First Division championship. They beat Cardiff City by a tiny difference in goal average (how many goals they scored compared to how many they let in).
Huddersfield Town won the First Division title again in 1924–25, losing only one of their last 27 league games! They also set a record by only letting in 28 goals all season. In October 1924, Billy Smith made history by scoring directly from a corner kick.
After winning two titles, manager Herbert Chapman left for Arsenal. But under new manager Cecil Potter, Town became the first club to win three English League titles in a row in 1925–26. They almost won a fourth title the next season but finished second. In 1927–28, they were runners-up in both the league and the FA Cup final.
In 1928, five Town players played in an international match between England and Scotland. Alex Jackson scored three goals for Scotland as they beat England 5–1.
Even though the team got older, they still reached two more FA Cup Finals in 1930 and 1938, but lost both. In 1932, a record 67,037 fans watched an FA Cup game at Leeds Road.
Decline and Recovery (1945–1992)
Huddersfield Town was relegated from the top division for the first time in 1951–52. But they quickly bounced back, getting promoted again in 1952–53. They finished third in their first season back in the top league. After being relegated again in 1955–56, Bill Shankly became manager. He later became a famous manager for Liverpool.
In 1961, new floodlights were put in at Leeds Road. These were paid for by the money from selling young star Denis Law to Manchester City. The lights were even called the "Denis Law Lights"!
In the 1960s, Huddersfield played in the second division. In 1969, the club officially adopted their nickname, "The Terriers". Under manager Ian Greaves, Town won the Second Division in 1969–70 and returned to the top league. However, they were relegated three times in four years, ending up in the Fourth Division by 1975.
A recovery began when Mick Buxton became manager in 1978. Huddersfield won the Fourth Division in 1979–80, scoring an amazing 101 goals! They also won promotion to the Second Division in 1982–83. However, they were relegated back to the third tier in 1987–88, after a tough season where they only won six matches and let in 100 goals.
New Stadium and Return to the Top (1992–2019)
In 1994, Huddersfield Town played their last game at Leeds Road. They then moved to their new home, the Kirklees Stadium (now called the John Smith's Stadium). In their first season at the new stadium, 1994–95, Huddersfield won promotion to the second tier by winning the play-offs at Wembley.
In 1999, local businessman Barry Rubery bought the club, hoping to get them into the Premier League. They came close to the play-offs in 1999–2000 but missed out. The club then faced more financial problems and was relegated twice, ending up back in the fourth tier by 2003.
Saving the Club and Play-off Success
In 2003, the club was in serious trouble and almost closed down. But Ken Davy bought the club and saved it! Manager Peter Jackson had to build a new team with many young players. Surprisingly, Huddersfield finished fourth and won the play-off final to return to the third tier.
After a few more seasons in League One, Dean Hoyle became chairman in 2009. Town reached the play-offs again in 2009–10 and 2010–11 but lost both times. However, in November 2011, Huddersfield set a Football League record by going 43 matches unbeaten!
In 2012, under manager Simon Grayson, Huddersfield won the play-off final against Sheffield United in a thrilling penalty shootout (8–7 after 22 penalties!). This meant promotion to the Championship.
In November 2015, David Wagner became the first manager not from the British Isles to lead the club. He brought an exciting, high-energy style of play. In 2016–17, Town finished fifth and qualified for the play-offs. After winning another penalty shootout against Sheffield Wednesday, they faced Reading in the final. Huddersfield won again in a penalty shootout, earning promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 1972! They also became only the second club to win all three divisional play-offs.
Huddersfield stayed in the Premier League for the 2017–18 season. But in 2018–19, they finished last and were relegated.
Recent Years and New Owners (2019–Present)
After relegation, chairman Dean Hoyle left due to health reasons, and Phil Hodgkinson took over. The club changed managers a few times, trying to find success. In 2020, Carlos Corberán became the new head coach.
Huddersfield finished third in the EFL Championship in 2022 and reached the 2022 EFL Championship play-off final at Wembley, but lost 1–0 to Nottingham Forest.
In 2023, the club was bought by American investor Kevin M. Nagle. This deal helped the club with its finances. Huddersfield managed to stay in the Championship that season. However, in the 2023–24 season, they struggled again and were relegated to League One. Michael Duff is now the head coach.
Club Badge and Colours
The club spent many years deciding on their kit colours. Finally, in 1916, they chose the blue and white striped jersey that they still wear today.
The club's badge is based on the coat of arms of Huddersfield. The main colours of blue and white are seen throughout the badge. It also features two Yorkshire Roses and Castle Hill, which are important parts of the club's and town's history.
In 1966, the club tried an all-blue shirt with a simple "HTFC" badge. When they adopted the "Terriers" nickname in 1969, the blue and white stripes returned, along with a red terrier dog on the badge.
In 1980, Town adopted the badge design they mostly use today. It mixes parts of the old town coat of arms with modern elements like blue and white stripes and a terrier with a football.
In 2000, Huddersfield tried a round badge, but fans didn't like it much, so they went back to the older style. In 2019, the badge was updated again. The three stars (which represent their three league titles in the 1920s) were moved inside the shield. A single Yorkshire Rose was placed above the stripes, and the terrier was added to the top of the shield. The club's founding date was also added.
Kit Suppliers and Shirt Sponsors
| Period | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor (chest) | Shirt sponsor (sleeve) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975–1979 | Bukta | None | None |
| 1979–1982 | Barralan | ||
| 1982–1984 | Bukta | Central Mirfield | |
| 1984–1986 | Daihatsu | ||
| 1986–1987 | Eagle | Greenall's | |
| 1987–1990 | Matchwinner | ||
| 1990–1991 | Beaver | ||
| 1991–1993 | Gola | Gola | |
| 1993–1994 | Super League | Pulse (home) Vileda (away) |
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| 1994–1995 | Pulse | ||
| 1995–1997 | Panasonic | ||
| 1997–1999 | Pony | ||
| 1999–2001 | Mitre | ||
| 2001–2002 | Bloggs | Prime Time Recruitment | |
| 2002–2003 | VOI | ||
| 2003–2005 | Admiral | ||
| 2005–2007 | Yorkshire Building Society | ||
| 2007–2009 | Mitre | CasinoRed | |
| 2009–2010 | Yorkshire Air Ambulance (home) Radian B (away) |
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| 2010–2011 | Kirklees College (home) Radian B (away) |
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| 2011–2012 | Umbro | ||
| 2012–2013 | Rekorderlig (home) Radian B (away) |
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| 2013–2015 | Puma | Rekorderlig (home) Radian B (away) Covonia (third) |
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| 2015–2017 | PURE Legal Limited (home) Radian B (away) Covonia (third) |
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| 2017–2018 | OPE Sports | PURE Legal Limited | |
| 2018–2019 | Umbro | Leisu Sports | |
| 2019–2020 | Paddy Power (unbranded) | None | |
| 2020–2021 | Various local companies/charities |
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| 2021–present | Utilita | Jetcoin (FA Cup only) |
Stadiums
- Leeds Road (1908–1994)
- Kirklees Stadium (1994–present)
- Also known as "Alfred McAlpine Stadium" (1994–2004)
- Also known as "Galpharm Stadium" (2004–2012)
- Also known as "John Smith's Stadium" (2012–present)
Huddersfield Town was the first team to have played in all four professional levels of English football at two different stadiums.
Supporters and Rivalries
Huddersfield Town's club song, "Smile A While", has been sung by fans since 1920. It was created for the 1920 FA Cup Final and is still sung at home matches today.
There's a team that is dear to its followers,
Their colours are bright blue and white,
They're a team of renown, the pride of the town,
And the game of football is their delight.
All the while, upon the field of play,
Thousands loudly cheer them on their way.
Often you can hear them say, who can beat the Town today?
Then the bells will ring so merrily,
Every goal, shall be a memory,
So Town play up, and bring the Cup,
Back to Huddersfield!
We're Yorkshire! We're Yorkshire! We're Yorkshire!
In 2014, a group of fans formed "North Stand Loyal" to make the atmosphere at games better. They later changed their name to "Cowshed Loyal".
Huddersfield Town also has fan groups in other countries, like Australia, Canada, and the United States. Famous fans include former Prime Minister Harold Wilson and actor Sir Patrick Stewart.
Huddersfield Town's main rivals are other West Yorkshire clubs: Bradford City and Leeds United. They also have smaller rivalries with Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday.
Players
First-team squad
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Players on Loan
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Huddersfield Town B Team
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Notable Former Players
English Football Hall of Fame Members
Some former players and managers from Huddersfield Town are in the English Football Hall of Fame. This means they made a huge impact on football.
Herbert Chapman
Peter Doherty
Denis Law- Bill Shankly
- Clem Stephenson
- Ray Wilson
Football League 100 Legends
In 1998, the Football League made a list of "100 legendary football players." Three former Huddersfield players are on this list:
- Clem Stephenson
- Peter Doherty
- Denis Law
Player of the Year (Hargreaves Memorial Trophy)
This award is voted for by members of the official Huddersfield Town Supporters Club.
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Club Management
Club Officials
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Kevin Nagle |
| Director | Michael Thomas |
| Chief Executive | Jake Edwards |
| Chief Operating Officer | David Threfall-Sykes |
First Team Technical Staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Michael Duff |
| Assistant head coach | Kevin Russell |
| Goalkeeping Coach | Andy Quy |
| Loans Manager | David Fox |
| Head of Analysis & Innovation | James Beck |
| Lead First Team Analyst | Mackenzie Longley |
| First Team Analyst | Lewis Dunwoody |
| Goalkeeping Performance Analyst | Adam O'Rourke |
| Senior Physiotherapists | Liam Kershaw Craig Sedgwick Vikki Stevens |
| Sports Therapists | Matty Greenlees Matthew Potts |
| Head of Strength & IDP | Callum Adams |
| Senior Physical Performance Coach | Dan Hughes |
| Physical Performance Coach | Jordan Foster |
| Head of academy | Jon Worthington |
Managerial History
Club Honours and Achievements
In 1926, Huddersfield Town became the first English team to win the First Division title three times in a row! This amazing feat was not surpassed until 2024 by Manchester City, though other teams have equalled it.
Huddersfield Town was also the second team, after Blackpool, to win all three divisional play-offs when they won the 2017 Championship play-off.
Here are some of the club's main trophies and achievements:
League Titles
- First Division (top league)
- Champions: 1923–24, 1924–25, 1925–26
- Runners-up: 1926–27, 1927–28, 1933–34
- Second Division / Championship (second tier)
- Champions: 1969–70
- Promoted (2nd place): 1919–20, 1952–53
- Play-off winners: 2017
- Third Division / Second Division / League One (third tier)
- Promoted (3rd place): 1982–83
- Play-off winners: 1995, 2012
- Fourth Division / Third Division (fourth tier)
- Champions: 1979–80
- Play-off winners: 2004
Cup Competitions
- FA Cup
- Winners: 1921–22
- Runners-up: 1919–20, 1927–28, 1929–30, 1937–38
- FA Charity Shield
- Winners: 1922
- Football League Trophy
- Runners-up: 1993–94
See also
In Spanish: Huddersfield Town Association Football Club para niños
