David Wagner insists Stuart Webber's likely exit will not affect Huddersfield Town on the run-in

The 33-year-old has been placed on ‘gardening leave’ by the Terriers amid suggestions in Norfolk that Norwich City are ready to offer him a similar role at Carrow Road.

Webber has been an integral part of Town’s unexpected rise, having initially targeted Wagner as Chris Powell’s successor and then spearheaded the transfer activity that saw 11 players arrive at the John Smith’s Stadium last summer.

“I am not disappointed, this is football business,” said Wagner. “He has made his decision and now it is up to the lawyers.

“This is another opportunity to show that we are independent from what is around us.

“Will this affect us for the next nine games or against Burton on Saturday?

“No. Our total focus is on something much more important than Stuart Webber and this is the Burton game.

“Everyone knows how important he was in bringing me here. He played a big role by giving the chairman the advice. The chairman then made the decision to give me this job 16 months ago.

“Stuart did a lot for this club. I like people who have done something good for this club to leave by the front door, but he has decided not to do that. He wanted to use the other door, but this is up to him.”

A key factor in Huddersfield starting this season with eight wins in 11 games was the early transfer business that saw all but one of last summer’s signings made prior to pre-season training getting under way.

Asked if Webber’s exit would make a repeat more difficult during the upcoming close season, Wagner replied: “The problem isn’t who is the sporting director or who has this position. It is what division we are in.

“That is a good problem, I like this problem, and we will solve this when the time comes.

“We can only finish the plans when we know that.

“This makes it more difficult than a year ago. We were more or less sure we would be in the Championship at this stage of last season and could plan.”

Wagner also refuted suggestions he may follow Webber out of the John Smith’s.

He added: “I am still here, I think should be the answer enough – I am not on gardening leave and am still here.”

Hogg’s all-clear: Page 26.