Huddersfield Town have appointed Jon Stead as assistant coach. Stead joins the Terriers after Martin Drury was named permanent head coach.

What happened?

Stead's move comes after the League One season ended. He will join Drury's backroom team.

Why it matters for Huddersfield Town

The appointment strengthens ties at the John Smith's Stadium. Stead returned to his hometown club earlier this year, working with the first team after Liam Manning's arrival in January 2026.

What comes next?

Stead will remain as Drury leads the team. The 43-year-old joined Sunderland from Blackburn in 2005, making 40 appearances and scoring twice. His first goal came at Everton in April 2006, his second in defeat at Southend in August 2006. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | Appearances for Sunderland | 40 | | Goals for Sunderland | 2 | Stead retired in 2021 after more than 700 senior games and 165 goals. He held assistant roles with Hartford Athletic, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Barnsley, and Bristol Rovers before returning to Huddersfield. Former Sunderland man Lynden Gooch remains on the books and would work under Stead next season should he stay this summer.

Background

Stead debuted for Huddersfield in 2002 and hit 18 goals in 2003-04, earning a move to Premier League Blackburn. His career also took in Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Notts County, Harrogate Town, and two spells with Huddersfield.