EFL club announce shock just hours after dropping out of play-off places

Duff's departure comes a day after the Terriers' 1-0 defeat away to Bristol Rovers, a result which saw the team drop out of the play-off positions.

In a club statement, Huddersfield Town chairman and owner Kevin Nagle insisted it was 'not a decision I have taken lightly', especially since Duff was appointed last summer.

"However, our results on the pitch since the turn of the year have simply not been good enough," Nagle said.

"It is true that we've had an unprecedented injury situation to contend with, particularly recently, but I believe that the resources we have available are capable of more than the four wins we've registered in our last 15 games.

"I feel we must make this change now to reignite our challenge for promotion. I want to thank Michael, and I wish him all the best for the future."

Academy manager Jon Worthington, who made over 230 appearances for the Terriers as a player, will take over on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

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Worthington's first match in charge will take place next Saturday at home against Crawley Town, who sit 22nd.

"Huddersfield Town is my Club, and I'm honoured to be coaching the First Team between now and the end of the season," Worthington said.

"We have 10 important matches to come with plenty of points remaining to play for and every possibility still open to us.

"As it is each day, my full focus and energy will be spent doing whatever I possibly can to help our Club be the best version of itself.

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"In that time, my goal is to repay the faith and trust that Kevin Nagle, Jake Edwards and Mark Cartwright have shown in me, and give Town supporters pride in their team and Club.

"See you all at the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday afternoon."

At the time of Duff's departure, Huddersfield sit seventh in League One on 58 points, two behind sixth-placed Bolton who occupy the final play-off position.

Huddersfield also remain three points ahead of eighth-placed Reading, although the Royals have a game in hand.

Duff departs with a record of 20 wins, seven draws and 16 defeats across all competitions since he took over in the summer.

One of those defeats was an embarrassing FA Cup exit in the first round to non-league Tamworth.

Huddersfield have also failed to win a game at home in 2025, drawing twice and losing four times.

The loss to Bristol Rovers meant Huddersfield dropped out of the top six for the first time since November 23.

Duff endured a rocky start to the season with Huddersfield as they lost five of the first nine league games.

However, the Northern Irishman saw an impressive mid-season patch of form in which the Terriers enjoyed a 16-game unbeaten run in the league.

The streak was snapped on January 25 when they lost 1-0 away to Bolton.

Since then, Huddersfield won just three times from the next 10 fixtures.