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Cape Town - Huddersfield Town have revealed that captain Mark Hudson will take up a coaching role at the club after retiring from playing.
The 35-year-old former Fulham, Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City defender, who has played over 100 games for the Terriers since joining in 2014, has decided to call time on his career.
He will slot straight into head coach David Wagner's technical staff as he studies for his UEFA A License.
Hudson, who lifted the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final trophy as the club secured their promotion to the Premier League, has twice previously earned promotion, with Palace in 2004, with Cardiff in 2013.
Part of a club statement read: "This transition was envisaged when Mark signed a new three-year contract at the Club in April 2016. Hudson’s exact role in the coaching setup will be defined soon and in the interim, he will support the preparations and training for Town’s Premier League debut in 2017/18 alongside Wagner and the technical staff."
Wagner told the club's official website: "I’m very happy that Mark is becoming part of my backroom staff.
“From my first day in England, Mark has been one of the biggest positives. He is a huge influence in our dressing room - a total professional with a winning mentality – and that was why securing his future to Huddersfield Town was so important last April. As a player and a potential coach, it was vital that we keep Mark here.
“Make no mistake; Mark made a huge contribution to the success this Club enjoyed in 2016/17, both through his performances on the field and his influence off it.
“I believe the qualities that Mark has as a person and a footballer should make him an excellent coach. I know retirement can feel like a sad day as a former player, but he has so much still to give this Club and football and that is exciting.
“We will all help Mark as much as we can as he makes the transition into coaching and continues to learn, but I’m sure he will still be a big help and influence on our squad as we prepare for the Premier League.”
The Terriers face Crystal Palace on Saturday at Selhurst Park in their first Premier League fixture of the season with the Eagles led by new manager, Frank de Boer.
Kick off is at 16:00.
