Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle in hospital with pancreatitis
Monday 4 February 2019 15:50, UK
Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle is recovering in hospital after a lengthy battle with pancreatitis.
The 51-year-old was taken ill after attending the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on October 20.
After undergoing a routine operation to remove gallstones, Hoyle developed pancreatitis and has spent the last 15 weeks in hospital.
However, he is now in recovery and is well enough to visit home during the day.
"The last three months have been an absolute rollercoaster, full of ups and downs," said Hoyle, in a statement released by Huddersfield.
"However, as I keep reminding myself, rollercoasters only move forward! I feel like, all being well, I'm now in the last lap of my recovery.
"We've tried to keep my condition out of the spotlight, but understandably it has become increasingly difficult to do so and I wanted to quash the rumours about my long-term health once and for all.
"I'm not out of the woods just yet, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank the medical teams at St James's University Hospital in Leeds and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary for the outstanding care I have received.
"I'd also like to thank our wonderful supporters for the many cards and messages I've received; it's been totally overwhelming."
Hoyle plans to attend Saturday's home game against Arsenal and has thanked chief executive Julian Winter for helping to oversee the appointment of new head coach Jan Siewert.
He said: "I won't be able to take my usual seat in the Directors' Box as I'll need to stay indoors, but I'm still really looking forward to it.
"I must take this opportunity to thank chief executive Julian Winter. I was still fully involved in key decisions like the appointment of Jan Siewert as head coach, but Julian has really taken hold of the reins on a day-to-day basis in my absence.
"He deserves huge credit for that during a difficult period for the club.
"I cannot wait to be back actively involved day-to-day. I'm desperate to get back to the club, but I must be realistic; this may take a few months. For the first time in a decade, I need to put myself first as I get back to full health.
"In the meantime, I have complete faith and confidence in the excellent staff we have at Huddersfield Town, from the board of directors to everyone else. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but we'll take on the challenge together, as always."
