Former Huddersfield Town head coach Michael Duff has landed his first role since leaving the club in March after it was announced that he had been appointed at League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers.
The 47-year-old arrived at the Terriers last summer tasked with guiding the club back into the Championship at the first time of asking. He looked like he could achieve just that after embarking on an impressive 16-game unbeaten run between October and January, which had them lying fourth in the table.
They faltered from there though, losing seven of their next 11. This led to Duff’s dismissal as the West Yorkshire-based side looked to keep up with the top six, with Jon Worthington handed the reins until the end of the season.
The change of guard proved to be a disaster though. The 42-year-old lost eight of his 10 games in charge to eventually finish 10th, 14 points off the play-offs.
Duff Replaces Dodds At Wycombe
After six months out of the game, Duff has resurfaced at Wycombe. The Chairboys looked nailed on for promotion to the Championship last season, but the departure of Matt Bloomfield to Luton Town derailed their campaign.
Former Sunderland coach Mike Dodds was brought in in February, but he began this season like he finished the last. Lying in 19th and with one win to their name, it was announced earlier today that Duff would replace the 39-year-old with immediate effect. In a statement, the club said:
“Wycombe Wanderers are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Duff as the club’s new Head Coach.
“The 47-year-old arrives at Adams Park with pedigree of winning promotion in his first management position with Cheltenham Town and leading Barnsley and Huddersfield Town into promotion battles in League One, as well as working in the Championship with Swansea City.
“Following a successful playing career at every level from National League South to the Premier League, Duff also spent time coaching in Burnley’s youth setup, working with their under-18s and becoming Head Coach of their under-23s before embarking on a new challenge with Cheltenham in 2018, achieving their highest ever Football League finish.
“Everyone at Wycombe Wanderers would like to welcome Michael to the club and look forward to working with him to support the club’s goals of competing at the highest level possible in this league and beyond.”
Writer’s View
Michael Duff’s dismissal at Huddersfield divided opinion. He looked to be on course to at least achieve a play-off place, but the club opted to pull the trigger during his first run of poor form. They suffered dramatically as a result, finishing just five points above the bottom half of the table. Still, they look to have made the right appointment in Lee Grant and will feel that they have enough to secure promotion this season.
