Huddersfield Town have dismissed sporting director Mark Cartwright after a disappointing second season at the helm, the club announced on Friday evening.
The 52-year-old had been facing mounting scrutiny as the Terriers’ hopes of an immediate return to the Championship faded. Their 2-1 home defeat to relegation-threatened Cambridge United left them five points outside League One’s promotion places with only three games remaining, effectively ending their play-off ambitions.
Cartwright, notably absent from the defeat, was a major appointment by owner and chairman Kevin Nagle during his first summer in charge. However, recruitment under Cartwright’s tenure has failed to inspire the success supporters craved. The January additions of Dion Charles and Joe Taylor have not yielded the necessary goals to salvage the season.
Chants of discontent echoed around the John Smith’s Stadium during the Cambridge clash, culminating in boos at the final whistle. Tensions had been high with Nagle previously stating that promotion was the club’s minimum expectation this season.
Huddersfield Town are also without a permanent head coach following the earlier dismissal of Michael Duff. Academy manager Jon Worthington has been placed in temporary charge, though he has managed just two victories in seven games.
In an official statement, chief executive Jake Edwards said:
“Undergoing a full review of our sporting operations ahead of another important summer for the club, we have made the difficult decision to relieve Mark of his duties with immediate effect.
“Retaining the full support of the chairman, our collective efforts will be focussed on completing a positive summer of activity both on and off the field, allowing us to head into the 2025/26 season with a renewed belief and confidence in all departments.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Mark for his efforts during his time at Huddersfield Town and wish him the very best for the future.”
Cartwright’s tenure saw five head coaches appointed and a turbulent period for the club, with last season’s relegation already prompting calls for a full reset. Further major changes are now expected as Huddersfield gear up for what is being billed as a pivotal summer.
Writer’s View
Mark Cartwright’s sacking signals the beginning of a summer of upheaval at Huddersfield Town. His inability to deliver on promotion ambitions, compounded by poor January signings, left little room for forgiveness. With confidence low and supporter frustration clear, Kevin Nagle’s promise of sweeping change now looks certain to be more than just words. The Terriers must get their next moves right if they are to avoid another year of stagnation.
