Huddersfield Town have kicked off their preparations for the 2019/20 campaign, with Jan Siewert completing his first signing of the summer.

The Terriers have recently announced the signing of former Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick, who arrives at the John Smith's Stadium on a free transfer after being let go by Dean Smith's side.

Elphick endured quite a mixed season last time out - he started the season off in impressive style, scoring against Hull City on the opening day of the 2018/19 campaign, before being loaned out to the Tigers just weeks later after falling out of favour under Steve Bruce.

The 31-year-old was a resounding success at the KCOM Stadium, playing an integral role in the Tigers' turnaround in the Sky Bet Championship table.

Nigel Adkins' side went from languishing near the foot of the table to challenging for a spot in the play-offs, especially after defeating Leeds United at Elland Road.

It was after that victory against the Whites when Elphick was recalled by Villa, only to play just 10 more games in the Championship before his time at Villa Park.

The experienced centre-half now becomes Huddersfield's first signing of the summer, with Siewert pulling off a transfer masterstroke.

The defensive area is definitely an area of the pitch where the Terriers needed to strengthen, and probably still need to given that Celtic are reportedly circling around Mathias Jorgensen as well as Tommy Smith.

In Elphick, they have signed a player who knows the division like the back of his hands. He guided AFC Bournemouth to automatic promotion in 2015, and is certainly a commanding leader considering the impact he made during his time at Hull.

He's approaching the wrong side of 30, but the experience and leadership he can offer to a team like Huddersfield will be beneficial, and even Siewert can learn a lot off him having never managed in England before.

Huddersfield fans should certainly feel refreshed at the German's approach to signing players, if the addition of Elphick is anything to go by.