Terriers appoint Grayson

Huddersfield have confirmed the appointment of Simon Grayson as their new manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The 42-year-old was dismissed as Leeds boss on February 1 but has made a quick return to the dug-out, replacing Lee Clark at the helm of the npower League One club following his sacking last week.

Grayson, who has led both Leeds and Blackpool to promotion from League One, will take his former Elland Road backroom staff of Glyn Snodin and Ian Miller to the Galpharm Stadium and will be briefed with the task of taking Huddersfield up this season.

It will not be easy, though, as despite just three defeats this season under Clark, the Terriers are currently seven points adrift of second-placed Sheffield United in the table, though have a nine-point cushion ahead of the chasing play-off pack.

Chairman Dean Hoyle insisted that promotion is Grayson's number one remit.

He told the club's official website: "We are well positioned in the league and I believe we are still in a position to challenge for automatic promotion this season, but we do have a gap to make up to second place.

"I believe this is still achievable given the players we have at this club.

"Simon has a proven track record of success in this division. He knows League One inside out and he knows exactly what it takes to get teams promoted to the Championship.

"Throughout his managerial career he has operated with the pressure to succeed and expectations that go along with that.

"We are delighted he has taken up the challenge and we look forward to working with him."