David Wagner taunts critics as Huddersfield hit Premier League promotion jackpot

David Wagner’s arrival at Huddersfield Town was greeted with scorn, but just 18 months later the German has silenced the critics by masterminding his club’s fairytale promotion to the Premier League.

When Wagner was plucked from his role as Borussia Dortmund’s reserve team coach by Huddersfield owner Dean Hoyle in November 2015, many pundits claimed his lack of experience in the cut-throat world of the second-tier Championship meant the appointment was doomed to failure.

Ian Holloway, then a television pundit and now Queens Park Rangers manager, labelled Huddersfield as candidates for relegation at the start of this season.

But Holloway and the rest of the doubters underestimated the urbane Wagner’s pioneer spirit, inspirational personality and tactical prowess.

Having revitalised his team with a host of youngsters signed on loan from the Premier League, Wagner rewarded Hoyle’s faith in spectacular fashion at Wembley on Monday as Huddersfield beat Reading 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw to return to the top flight for the first time in 45 years.