Huddersfield have expressed their dismay after claiming Neil Hart reneged on his decision to become the club’s new chief executive in order to take up the same role at Burnley.
Burnley announced on Wednesday that Hart will succeed David Baldwin as the Premier League side’s new chief executive officer next summer.
Huddersfield had announced Hart as their new chief executive last week and
chairman Phil Hodgkinson described his u-turn as “unacceptable” and “incredibly disappointing”.
#htafc can today confirm that Neil Hart has reneged on his acceptance of the position of Chief Executive at the Club. — Huddersfield Town (@htafc) December 18, 2019
Hart, currently CEO of Burnley FC in the Community, will step up when current club CEO Baldwin leaves Turf Moor in June 2020 to take up the same role at the EFL.
Huddersfield said in a statement on their official website: “Following a thorough process, the club identified Neil as the preferred candidate to become its new chief executive and offered him the position, which Neil quickly accepted.
“Neil requested that his acceptance of the position was announced publicly as quickly as possible, as his previous employer – Burnley FC in the Community – wanted to advertise for a replacement for his role of CEO.
“Huddersfield Town understood and agreed, but only on the proviso that Neil signed his contract of employment with the club before any announcement was made. Neil agreed, and signed this contract.
Club Statement: Senior Appointments at Turf Moorhttps://t.co/MlfXT6ETm1 — Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) December 18, 2019
“The announcement of Neil’s appointment as incoming CEO was made on December 12, 2019.
“Neil’s decision, and the reversal of his signed commitment to Huddersfield Town, is incredibly disappointing.
“I’m a great believer in honouring a commitment once it has been made and that certainly is not the case with this situation. The club is of the utmost importance, but I feel personally let down too.
“I’ve never had this happen to me in 25 years of working in business. In many ways football is a unique industry, but this is not acceptable to me or to our club.”
Burnley also announced another senior managerial appointment at the club, with Matt Williams promoted from his role as head of football operations to become the new chief operating officer.
Burnley’s executive chairman Mike Garlick said: “We are delighted to announce these two new appointments.
“Naturally, we are sorry to be losing David to the EFL, but we will take this opportunity to appoint two individuals in Neil and Matt who will, I am sure, help to drive the club forwards.
“Both know the club intimately and that continuity is a real positive in delivering our shared vision for the club as a whole.”
