Chairman to sell Huddersfield Town football club
The chairman of Huddersfield Town has announced he is to step down and sell the club after 10 years at the helm.
Dean Hoyle watched his side draw 1-1 to Manchester United on Sunday in an emotional last match for the club owner.
Prior to the match, it was announced that a commercial agreement is in place with Phil Hodgkinson, the CEO and founder of the PURE Business Group to acquire the club.
He is a lifelong fan of the Terriers, and will see him become chairman as well as taking a 75% share of the club, subject to approval from football authorities. Hoyle will retain a minority stake.
PURE Legal, one of Hodgkinson’s companies, has seen their logo emblazoned on the team’s home kit since 2015, and the PURE Business Group recently became the title sponsor of the Huddersfield Town Academy.
He will also step down as an owner and Ddrector at National League North side Southport, where he has been since September 2017.
Hoyle took over the club in 2009, and oversaw the club rise from Sky Bet League One to the Premier League for the last two seasons – the club’s most successful period for 40 years.
Hoyle said he was stepping down to look after his health, having suffered from pancreatitis earlier this year.
Outgoing chairman Dean Hoyle, who will remain on the board of directors, said: “My heart doesn’t want me to sell the Club and I believe the Manchester United game will probably be the most emotional day of my life.
“However, my head is telling me that, after 10 years of total dedication and my recent ill health, I need to do what is right for myself, my family and Huddersfield Town and that is pass the reins to a new chairman who can take our Club to a new chapter in its history.
“I have run a full sales process and there was serious interest in the Club from around the world. Appointing the correct successor is as important to me and my legacy as everything else I have achieved.
“I have chosen Phil not just because he is an astute business man with strong desire and determination to succeed, but because as ‘one of our own’ he will always have the Club’s best interests at heart. He’s a Town fan and he really gets what this Club is all about.”
Phil Hodgkinson commented: “I will be delighted and proud to be able to take the position as the new chairman of Huddersfield Town. As a lifelong Town supporter, it will be a special day for me and my family.
“My number one priority is to give every support I can to Jan Siewert in order to make us as good as we can be on the pitch. Our aim is to get back to winning football matches and to put smiles back on the faces of our supporters after a tough season.”
