Wagner delighted to extend Hudson's influence

Huddersfield Town's captain Mark Hudson seen in action against Sheffield Wednesday's Atdhe Nuhiu.

The 34-year-old has signed a new three-year contract to replace the existing deal that was due to run out this summer.

Just how much of that time Hudson spends as a player before moving into coaching at the John Smith’s Stadium is likely to be down to how well he performs on the pitch.

Hudson, who moved from Cardiff City in September 2014, has long held ambitions about continuing his career in the game after playing and is already a holder of the UEFA B coaching licence.

“I am unbelievably happy that Mark Hudson will be a part of my squad for the next seasons,” said Terriers’ head coach Wagner.

“I have said before that the whole squad accepted the big changes I made when I arrived in November and Mark was a big reason for that.

“As captain – and one of the biggest influences in the dressing room – he set a great example, as he understood that the changes we made will make his career longer.

“It is a great move for the club to keep him here as a coach in the long-term, but I believe he still has a big part to play on the pitch for us as we look to make the next steps in our development.

“Mark’s performances during my time here have been good and he is an important player in a squad that is generally young and still learning.

“He is a 100 per cent professional and has a winning mentality. He has been a winner of the Championship (with Cardiff) just a few years ago. This is the type of character that we need in our squad.”

Hudson has made 81 appearances for Town since moving north from Wales and has been a mainstay of the side under Wagner.

Since the German succeeded Chris Powell at the helm of Huddersfield, the captain of the club has missed just two of 30 games – both through suspension. He will again lead the side in Saturday’s final away game of the season at Bristol City.

Hudson’s future being secured continues Wagner’s building plans for next term, when a cut-price season ticket offer means gates will be significantly up. He has already signed two players from his native Germany in Chris Lowe and Michael Hefele.

A clause in Jonathan Hogg’s contract to extend his existing deal to the end of 2016-17 has also been triggered by the Terriers.