Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle is set to attend his first game in months on Saturday after revealing he is recovering from pancreatitis. The 51-year-old underwent a routine procedure for gallstones in October but pancreatitis then set in.
Hoyle has subsequently spent 15 weeks in hospital but expects to return home in the coming days – just in time for the weekend visit to the John Smith’s Stadium of Arsenal.
Hoyle said: “The last three months have been an absolute rollercoaster, full of ups and downs. However, as I keep reminding myself, rollercoasters only move forward! I feel like, all being well, I’m now in the last lap of my recovery. “We’ve tried to keep my condition out of the spotlight, but understandably it has become increasingly difficult to do so and I wanted to quash the rumours about my long-term health once and for all.”
He added: “I plan to attend Saturday’s game against Arsenal, all being well. I won’t be able to take my usual seat in the directors’ box as I’ll need to stay indoors, but I’m still really looking forward to it.”
During his stay in hospital, Huddersfield have appointed a new manager with Jan Siewert replacing David Wagner.
Hoyle said he was still very much involved in that and other key decisions but thanked chief executive Julian Winter for “taking the reins” in his absence. “He deserves huge credit for that during a difficult period for the club,” added Hoyle. “I cannot wait to be back actively involved day-to-day. I’m desperate to get back to the club, but I must be realistic; this may take a few months.”
The Terriers have a mountain to climb if they are to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Ahead of Arsenal’s visit, they sit bottom of the table, 13 points from safety with just 13 games to play.
