Tempting deal from Rotherham United rejected by Huddersfield Town's Dean Whitehead

DEAN WHITEHEAD has rejected a move to Rotherham United after insisting: 'Huddersfield is the place for me.'
GOING NOWHERE: Dean Whitehead, right, is sticking with Huddersfield Town.  Picture: Tony JohnsonGOING NOWHERE: Dean Whitehead, right, is sticking with Huddersfield Town.  Picture: Tony Johnson
GOING NOWHERE: Dean Whitehead, right, is sticking with Huddersfield Town. Picture: Tony Johnson

The 34-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract at the John Smith’s Stadium, was wanted by Millers new manager Alan Stubbs.

It is understood that Huddersfield left the decision to Whitehead and the hugely experienced midfielder has opted to remain in West Yorkshire under manager David Wagner.

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“I just feel Huddersfield is the place for me and the reaction of the fans in wanting me to stay was great,” said the former Middlesbrough man, who this summer has taken his UEFA A coaching licence.

“It is nice when people want you (to stay). And nice when a club comes in that wants you, it means others are taking note.

“I had a chat with the manager and I was happy with what I heard. He is someone I like and I like the way he plays and the way he has changed the club. I want to stay here and fight for my place and, hopefully, get myself in the team again.

“The offer was there and I had a look at it. But I feel this is the place for me right now. I feel nice and fresh and I am looking forward to another season.”

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Whitehead, who made 36 appearances last term, will now battle it out with new signings Ivan Paurevic and Aaron Mooy for a midfield berth in the 4-2-3-1 formation favoured by David Wagner, with additional competition coming from Jonathan Hogg and Philip Billing.

For Wagner, Whitehead’s decision to stay adds further to his options and the German admits to being happy with a summer that has seen a double figure number of arrivals head into the John Smith’s.

“We have done our business,” added the German. “I am no longer searching for players. I am happy to have my squad together very early in pre-season and allow me to work with them for the last three weeks. Unless something extraordinary happens, we have done our business.”

On Town’s prospects for the coming season, Whitehead added: “We are all focused. There are lots of new players and we want to show how we have improved.

“Our fitness levels are higher and, hopefully, we have more quality than last year. At my age, this is the place to be.”