LEE CLARK - Shocked & perplexed at Exit

Lee Clark has said Huddersfield's surprise decision to sack him and his coaching staff has left him 'shocked, disappointed and perplexed'.

Clark's comments came after the 39-year-old was relieved of his duties after three years at the helm.

Huddersfield are currently fourth in npower League One, well placed to challenge for automatic promotion, and set a new Football League record of 43 games unbeaten earlier in the season.

Clark said via a statement released by the League Managers Association (LMA):

'I'm very perplexed as to why I was dismissed as the manager of Huddersfield Town'

'Needless to say I'm extremely disappointed and shocked considering that, with just 16 games left, we are in a such great position to compete for automatic promotion.

'We built on last season's momentum following the play-off final by creating history in the Football League record books for consecutive unbeaten games. This was an immense achievement by everybody connected with the club.

'I'm massively proud of my record with Huddersfield and I enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the players, coaching staff, supporters and indeed everybody at the club. I now wish them all the very best for the future and hope they will ultimately achieve promotion this season.'

The LMA will wait to learn the reasons behind Clark's sacking from Huddersfield before deciding whether or not to launch a case for unfair dismissal.

The LMA added in a brief statement: 'The LMA are in communication with the club with regards the reasons for the dismissal and how the club intend to terminate the contract.'

Clark, who quit as first-team coach at Norwich to succeed Stan Ternent at the Galpharm Stadium in December 2008, led Huddersfield to the npower League One play-off final in May for the second successive season, but his side lost their first game in 28 league matches, 3-0 to Peterborough.

Huddersfield extended their unbeaten league run this season and surpassed Nottingham Forest's previous 42-game Football League record, set during the 1977-78 season, with victory over Notts County in November.

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