Huddersfield Town have received EFL clearance over prospective owner Kevin M. Nagle’s takeover of the club but are still awaiting clearance from a statutory government body
Huddersfield Town have tonight confirmed the appointment Jake Edwards as the club’s new chief executive, with Kevin M.
Nagle moving a significant step closer to completing his takeover of the club. Edwards, who hails from Manchester, joins the Terriers following eight years as President of the United Soccer League (USL) in the United States where he oversaw the transformation of their professional divisions and led a period of extraordinary growth.
Edwards played a key role in developing the organization’s business strategy, increasing media rights, commercial partnerships, stadium development, and player development pathways. Under his leadership, the USL grew from 11 professional clubs to 31 across two divisions.
Edwards’ arrival sees David Baldwin step down from his role as managing director. He has returned to his original position as a strategic advisor to the club’s ownership and board of directors.
Town have also received notification from the English Football League (EFL) that prospective owner Nagle has completed their Owners’ and Directors’ Test. It was announced at the end of March that Nagle, who owns Sacramento Republic in the USA, had agreed a deal to buy total ownership of the club from Dean Hoyle pending the usual checking procedures.
However, Nagle’s purchase of the 100 per cent shareholding in Town is still awaiting clearance from a statutory government body. Nagle was pictured alongside Edwards in the directors’ box at the Terriers’ final match of the 2022/23 season at home to Reading.
Edwards, who played nearly 300 professional games as a striker in both the UK and United States before moving into executive roles at club level, told Town’s official website: “I am thrilled to be joining Huddersfield Town as CEO to help lead the next phase of growth for the Club.
“Having worked in professional football for 25 years, I recognise both the great honour and the great responsibility of being a part of this historic club’s future. I’m excited at the potential to work with the prospective new owner, Kevin Nagle, and have been impressed with his vision for what can be achieved here as well as his commitment to the Club and to this community.
“Throughout this process of acquisition and transition I would like to recognise the enormous commitment, stewardship and generosity of Dean Hoyle and his family. They have given the Club and the incoming team a tremendous foundation to build upon.
“I am looking forward to working with all the Club staff, coaches and players and I would also like to thank Dave Baldwin for his guidance during this transitional period.
“Finally, I look forward to getting to know the fantastic supporters who have stuck by the Club and played a huge role in keeping us in the Sky Bet Championship. I can’t wait to start sharing some exciting announcements with you all, starting this week.”
