Lee Clark has declared himself ‘perplexed’ and ‘shocked’ after getting the boot as Huddersfield boss.

The Terriers board sacked Clark and his coaching staff on Wednesday, a day after they were beaten at home by rivals Sheffield United.

Clark said in a statement: "I am very perplexed as to why I was dismissed as manager of Huddersfield.

"I'm extremely disappointed and shocked considering we're in a great position to compete for automatic promotion."

Despite their midweek defeat, Town sit fourth in League One.

Defending the decision, chairman Dean Hoyle told the club’s official website: “We still have an opportunity to achieve promotion and we have made this change with this in mind.

“This was a very difficult decision; one not taken lightly or in response to one result. Concerns have been raised in recent weeks.”

The Terriers, who don’t have a game this weekend, are available at 12/1 with Bet365, Paddy Power and Victor Chandler to take the title, while they are 5/4 for promotion.

Stan James have installed Neil Warnock as 10/11 favourite to take over at the Galpharm while Skybet make Simon Grayson a 4/1 shot.

Meanwhile, Clark is now 6/4 to become the next permanent manager of Leeds and 12/1 for the Wolves job.

Click here for Mike Holden’s view on the dismissal of Clark.