Lifelong Huddersfield Town fan joins the board

Roger Burnley, originally from Dewsbury, has become the club’s first non-executive director to be appointed by chairman Dean Hoyle since he took over in 2009.

It comes after the former Heckmondwike Grammar School pupil announced he will take over the role of chief operating officer at Asda next year.

Mr Burnley, who now lives in Upper Hopton, Mirfield, is currently on leave from his job as Sainsbury’s retail and operations director until he joins the rival supermarket chain.

Chairman Dean Hoyle said: “I am delighted Roger has joined us; we couldn’t have got anybody with a better pedigree and credentials - and he’s a Town fan too.

“Adding Roger to the Club further strengthens the Board.

“I am looking forward to working with him, I’m sure he can add a lot and make us better.”

Mr Burnley joined the B&Q Graduate Trainee Programme after he graduated from Bournemouth University.

After working his way up to become assistant manager and deputy manager, he joined Asda in 1996 as director of supply when the chain was bought by Wal-Mart in 1996.

He then worked as supply chain director at Matalan from 2002, before returning to the supermarket sector four years later with Sainsbury’s.

He has held a John Smith’s Stadium season ticket at the club all his life.