Jon Stead joins Huddersfield Town coaching staff
The former Terriers striker has returned to the club as an assistant to head coach Liam Manning
Jon Stead has returned to Huddersfield Town as a member of Liam Manning's coaching staff.
The 42-year-old Terriers academy graduate had two spells at the club as a centre-forward. He scored 27 goals in 100 appearances and played a key part in Town's promotion from the fourth tier in 2003/04 despite leaving for Premier League side Blackburn midway through the campaign.
Stead moved into coaching with American side Hartford Athletic in 2021 and has since held coaching roles at Tampa Bay Rowdies, Barnsley and Bristol Rovers.
Commenting on Stead’s return in a club statement, Town head coach Liam Manning said: “I’m really happy to have Jon complete our coaching team, and look forward to working closely with him alongside our existing staff going forward.
“He’s got a really interesting background in coaching, and having spoken to him at length about the opportunity, I know how passionate he is about having the chance to make a difference at his hometown club again.
“With a different skillset and outlook to our existing team whilst sharing many of the same beliefs and ideas, I’m pleased with the coaching team we’ve now established and I’ve enjoyed working with Martin [Drury] and Chris [Elliott] for the time and being reunited with James [Krause], as well as getting to know the first team staff already in place.
“[We’re] still new to the club, [so] this initial period is crucial for us to establish ourselves and our principles, and that’s a process that Jon will now help us with.”
Town sporting director Chris Markham added: “Jon is obviously no stranger to us, and he was proactive in making his interest in re-joining the club known after it became clear that there would be changes to our coaching team.
“Most importantly, Jon has thrust himself into coaching since retirement, and taken on opportunities both in England and abroad that has helped him establish himself as a highly thought of professional.
“While having a history with our club and town obviously helps Jon in knowing what it means to represent Huddersfield Town, more importantly, he is a good coach with fresh ideas and a strong work ethic, which only adds to the experience we already have in the building.
“Throughout the discussions with Liam who was central to this appointment, there were immediately parallels present between how they both work and operate, with a wider belief in Jon’s ability to compliment and be additive to the personnel we already have in place.”