Huddersfield Town Women FC have gone back to the future to appoint a new manager after the sudden departure of Steve Appleton.
Glen Preston, who led the club to a league title back in 2014, takes charge again on Wednesday night when Flyde AFC visit the Stafflex Arena.
Appleton left the club at the end of last week, ahead of Sunday’s stunning 20-0 FA Cup first round victory over Sir Tom Finney FC.
When Appleton departed, the Terriers were fourth in the table. He only took over on the eve of the season in August after Jordan Wimpenny quit the club for personal reasons.
Appleton’s league record was five wins, two draws and three defeats. Only days before his departure he told Huddersfield Hub: “Overall I’m happy with how things are progressing.
“It’s difficult because this is a transformation season. It was never going to be a spectacular campaign because it takes time to get my ideas as manager across.
“I am different to the previous manager Jordan (Wimpenny). I have my own style of how I like the team to play. I think our first 10 games have been OK overall.”
After his departure Appleton said he had “nothing but respect” for the club.
Preston joined Town Women at the start of the 2013-14 season and won the Northern Women’s Combination league championship by eight points, securing promotion. He left in December 2015.
He has been manager at Guiseley Vixens and also worked for several clubs as a football analyst.
Preston said: “It feels great to be back! It’s been a crazy few days where everything has happened so fast. But ultimately, it’s a great feeling for me and a big honour to be here.
“The first time I managed Huddersfield Town Ladies it was one of the best moments of my career. We had great success over two years and so it was not a difficult decision at all to come back and take on this great challenge.
“My only hope is that we can play the same fast-paced, intense football Huddersfield has become known for over the years and that we can challenge for silverware.
“The squad has so much potential and the fans have always been incredibly loyal so it’s important we play for them every week.”
Town chairperson Alison Bamforth said: “I would like to thank Steve for his efforts at HTWFC. Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out in the way that we hoped but I wish him all the best for the future.
“I am delighted to welcome Glen to the club. Both his CV and vision for the team are impressive, and I am very much looking forward to the rest of the season.”
