Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle has insisted the buck stops with him following the club’s relegation from the Premier League after two seasons.
Town’s fate was sealed on Saturday when their defeat by Crystal Palace, coupled with wins for Southampton and Burnley, condemned them to the drop.
Hoyle, who replaced head coach David Wagner with Jan Siewert in January, vowed that lessons would be learned as the club prepares to mount a mission to return at the first opportunity.
In a message to fans on the club’s official website, Hoyle said: “The club, myself included, is always learning and we must accept that we have got things wrong this season; the truth is you don’t end up where we are in the table unless that is the case.
“There have been some unexpected circumstances that haven’t helped as the year unfolded, but we must take full responsibility for what has happened, and the buck ultimately stops with me.
“As our head coach put so eloquently in his post-match comments on Saturday, the club must learn from what has happened this year. Rest assured we will, because there is a genuine desire to improve from everyone at Huddersfield Town. I see that every day.
“Despite the season we’ve had, I must stress that this club is in its best position in modern memory. We are strong in every area and we have made sure that our first foray in the Premier League will have lasting benefits for Huddersfield Town, such as the legacy that our improved training ground will give for years to come.”
Hoyle thanked the fans for their support throughout a difficult campaign – more than 90 per cent of season card-holders have already renewed – and reiterated his support for Siewert.
He said: “Jan Siewert came into the club at a difficult time and he would be the first to tell you that he’s not happy with the results we’ve had so far. However, I believe Jan has made a big impact on the first team already.
“He’s made some big decisions and has shown a real understanding of putting the club first, before everyone else. I’m very pleased with the work he has put in and I’m genuinely excited to see what his team will look like after a full pre-season. The Board of Directors is fully behind Jan as the man to take us forward.
“Jan has a very clear playing identity, which is vitally important to us. It allows us to recruit players who will fit his style, which is where we had our success ahead of the 2016/17 season.
“As well as recruitment, we want to be the fittest team, the hardest-working team and show a real togetherness. If we put all those elements together, it’ll be an exciting prospect for every Town fan.
“We know the Sky Bet Championship is a very difficult, competitive division, and I must stress that stability is the key next season. With Jan at the helm, a clear focus and our amazing supporters backing us all the way, there’s plenty to look forward to.”
