HUDDERSFIELD TOWN v SHEFFIELD UTD TOMORROW, WEMBLEY, 3PM
THIS TIME! The march on the arch
TOWN are on the march to Wembley with a place in the Championship at stake. It’s a massive occasion for the players, the staff and the fans and we’ve got all the play-off final build-up right here. Manager Simon Grayson spells out his plans for the future, while chairman Dean Hoyle talks about salary caps, passion and promotion. Old boy Tom Cowan has a foot in both camps and hopes the outcome is blue heaven, while loan man Sean Morrison urges his teammates to do the club justice on the big stage. If they do, there will be only one winner, so come on Town!
The march on the arch
Motto: To entertain
Simon Grayson tells why Town will take an attacking approach next season By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
SIMON GRAYSON has promised Town fans that creating an entertaining team to watch will be high on his list of priorities over the next couple of years.
The 42-year-old has guided Town into tomorrow’s League I play-off final at Wembley where he’s aiming to win the third managerial promotion of his career and book the club a place in the Championship. It’s 11 long years since Town dropped out of the second tier of English football and to go back there would cap a remarkable three months at the Galpharm helm for Grayson, who secured promotions to that level with both Blackpool and Leeds United. He firmly believes his squad have the ability to defeat Sheffield United and follow Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday into the next echelon – where the likes of Bolton, Blackburn, Wolves and Burnley await from the north, along with his former clubs. It’s an exciting prospect, and Grayson has pledged to provide an attacking, entertaining style going forward, whatever the outcome this weekend. “My philosophy in football has always been to try and win matches and entertain, never to go out looking for an odd goal, a draw or to be negative,” said the boss. “I’ve been criticised at times at my previous clubs for maybe conceding too many goals, but we have always scored them as well and had players from midfield netting double figures to back up our leading scorers. “That’s what I try to do because this is an entertainment business and an entertainment game – and you have to do that because people pay a lot of money to travel around and support the team. “The key, of course, is to get the right balance between your flair players and those with will work hard, graft with determination and show that they will never to give up. “Fans love to see those sorts of players as well, the ones who will chase everything and work to the last minute for the cause – and I think we can provide that balance because, at my previous clubs, we have always had the ability to score late goals through making bold decisions and having people grafting away. “It’s important, too, that everyone shows complete belief in their ability – because that enables you to bring the best out of them. “If the players show desire and belief then we can go and do it – and over the next couple of years we will be entertaining, I can assure you of that.” Grayson has no doubt he can
JORDAN RHODES Town season: 40 goals Scotland season: 6 goals for Under 21s
■ HIGH AMBITIONS: Simon Grayson, seen saluting the fans after the play-off handle the high expectations of supporters at Town, and says he wouldn’t have taken the job if that ambition hadn’t been to the forefront of the challenge. “The football club has got high ambitions and it’s the one thing which grabbed my imagination when I sat down with (chairman) Dean Hoyle and (chief executive) Nigel Clibbens to
talk about the prospects of taking the job,” said Grayson. “The expectancy level is there, and that’s what makes this a fantastic place to be. “Hopefully we can give back to Dean what he has put into this club – because he is the person that really deserves it, along with the rest of the supporters. “I understand the expectancy level and it’s
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The march on the arch
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League One play-off final
ON behalf of all the Giants players and coaching staff, I’d like to wish our Town mates the very best of luck at Wembley this weekend. We’ve been lucky enough to play at the new national stadium ourselves – against Warrington Wolves in the 2009 Challenge Cup final – and I know it’s something all those fortunate enough to be there this weekend will never forget. I know how much hard work all the Town boys have put in to get to the play-off final and, all being well, playing on such a magnificent stage will bring the very best out of them. We will be delighted if the result goes the right way. Giants chairman Ken Davy added: Best wishes to Town for Wembley success. Let’s hope we can repeat the promotion victory of the Millennium Stadium – but without the agony of extra-time and penalties! ■ BROWN: keen to see Town win at Wembley
semi-final victory, is determined to get Town playing football the fans will enjoy on the back of goals from Jordan Rhodes (pictured left) great to have it, because we want to make this a really successful end to the season.” Grayson took the reins from previous manager Lee Clark in February, coincidentally after Town’s 1-0 home defeat by tomorrow’s opponents. Town had, earlier in the season, scored a spectacular 3-0 win at Bramall Lane. “When you looked in from the outside, as I did before I came here, you looked at the squad and
what the team had done over the course of a season and you didn’t think there was too much wrong because the club was in a great position in the league,” said Grayson. “When you work with players on a daily basis you see certain things – things which I’m sure Lee (Clark) recognised when he was here – and you set about trying to put those things right, so that you can make average players and good players
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into better players. “My staff (coaches Ian Miller and Glynn Snodin) are easy going, approachable people but they are hard task masters on the training ground – and that’s because we want players to express themselves. “We don’t want players to be in the shadow of themselves, we want them to explore their own best capabilities on the football pitch.
“Football is enjoyable, it’s not hard work, so we want the lads to go and express themselves all the time. “As a staff, we want to find every little bit of ability both individually and collectively to make sure we get the best out of them and, hopefully, bring the season to a successful conclusion.” So how does this Town squad compare with the ones he took up at Bloomfield Road and Elland Road? “There’s good quality here,” he said. “We’ve probably got more players than we need – we’re a little bit top heavy in that sense – which can lead to too much chopping and changing if you are not careful, and then you don’t get the consistency. “We have got some very technically talented players – Jordan Rhodes is probably the outstanding player in League I – and I had talent at both my previous clubs in the teams that were promoted. “It was slightly different at Blackpool because we came with a storming finish and went into the play-offs with massive momentum. “That squad was probably not as talented as this group of players, but all squads are different and it just shows what can be achieved if you show desire and have complete belief in your ability.”
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The march on the arch
The word according to Dean Hoyle Town’s chairman on salary caps, passion and promotion By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk
THE arrival of a salary cap throughout the Football League means there’s never been a better time to win promotion to the Championship. But Dean Hoyle accepts Sheffield United will be thinking exactly the same thing. Throw in the prospect of playing at Wembley, and that’s why Town’s owner-chairman is more keyed up for a play-off challenge than ever. “The salary cap is going to have a big impact, but in the correct way,” said the former greetings card tycoon, who is currently cycling to the national stadium to raise funds to give 1,000 youngsters from the Huddersfield area the chance to watch tomorrow’s big match. “It will certainly stop people like me coming along and trying to bankroll a promotion bid, and ambitious as I am to take this club higher up the football ladder, that’s not a problem. “We have to look at the long-term picture, and for the game to survive in its current form, clubs are going to have to cut their cloth accordingly. “We’ve always been supporters of the salary cap, and we remain firmly behind it, but we also accept that it will make winning promotion that much harder. “That’s why we so wanted to do it last season (when Town lost 3-0 to Peterborough in the Old Trafford final) and that’s why we want to do it just as badly this season. “We’d love to have gone up automatically, and clearly that didn’t happen, but there are three promotion places available, and we’ve got ourselves into a great position to get the last of them.” Hoyle, a Town board member since April 2008 and chairman since June 2009, knows neighbours Sheffield United will be thinking exactly the same thing as they close in on an immediate return to the second tier after last season’s relegation. “We’ve got a huge amount of respect for them, and we’re looking at two clubs who have the history, stature and support to merit a place in the Championship,” he added.
’’
The salary cap will certainly stop people like me coming along and trying to bankroll a promotion bid Last season there were a lot of celebrations but this time, we tried to keep everything far more low key
I just want our players to make sure that come the final whistle, they don’t have any regrets
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“Really it’s a shame that one of us will have to stay down, but we knew the situation at the start of the season, and that if we didn’t finish in the top two, that we’d be going into the play-offs, and here we are.” It’s Town’s third successive play-off campaign (they lost to Millwall in the semi-finals in 2010), and Hoyle, who instigated a change of manager from Lee Clark to Simon Grayson following Town’s 1-0 home defeat by Sheffield United in February, is hoping experience will play a part. “We have a manager who has taken a team to play-off success at Wembley (Grayson did it with Blackpool in 2007) and players who have felt what it is like to lose in a final,” explained the lifelong Town supporter. “Hopefully we have an idea of how to handle not just the occasion itself, but also the build-up and everything that goes with it.” Grayson and his squad left Huddersfield on Wednesday, staying in the Midlands that night before moving down to their London base, and taking an early look at Wembley, yesterday. “The aim has been to ensure everyone stays grounded and stays focused,” said Hoyle. “Last season, when we got through the semi-final against Bournemouth, there were a lot of celebrations afterwards, but after beating MK Dons this time, we tried to keep everything far more low key. “We realise that nothing has been won yet, and if we don’t win the final, then we might as well have finished mid-table. “Of course we know we face a real test, but we fully believe we can go there and get the win we all crave. “Sheffield United finished above us in the table, but we came third last season and didn’t win the final. “We each have one win over the other (Town enjoyed a sweet 3-0 triumph at Bramall Lane in September) so there’s clearly not much to separate us. “It could come down to desire and intent, and we have to make sure we have that and plenty of it, which I believe we have. “I just want our players to go out there and give it everything and make sure that come the final whistle, they don’t have any regrets.”
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The march on the arch Grayson attracted by Terriers’ vision and ambition for future SIMON GRAYSON is determined to reward Dean Hoyle with Town promotion after being “trusted with the ambitions of the club.” The former Blackpool and Leeds boss was signed up in February following the dismissal of Lee Clark to take charge of a squad who, despite completing a Football League record of 43 matches unbeaten, seemed to be treading water in the League I promotion chase. Grayson says he didn’t think twice about taking the job and, after defeating MK Dons in the two-legged play-off semi-final, he is determined to finish the job against Sheffield United at Wembley. “My ambition has always been to get this club promoted with a chairman (Hoyle) who wants to back me and who showed his willingness to get me here in the first place,” said Grayson, who came in with coaches Ian Miller and Glynn Snodin.
■ FOCUS: Ian Miller leads a run during training at the Galpharm “I would have been quite comfortable after I got sacked at Leeds to stay on a beach for the next six months and wait for an opportunity in the Championship. “With my record over the last few years I could have waited for another job to come along rather than drop into League I, but the lure of Dean’s whole outlook here and what this club can do going forward was why I came – and I want to succeed
because of being trusted with the ambitions of the club.” Grayson has never felt any negative reaction from fans because he has grown up a Leeds fan, been a player at Elland Road and, of course, a successful manager there. “It never entered my head when I took the job and it hasn’t done since – my commitment is just to get Huddersfield Town promoted, and that’s the same commitment I’ve shown at all my clubs,” he said.
Here’s how you can make final really unforgettable HUDDERSFIELD Town’s fans will do the club and town proud at Wembley and we want their help to make a record of an unforgettable day. We want fans to get involved with the Examiner’s website on Saturday to help us build up a picture of what your day was like. Web guru Andrew Jackson (inset) will be running a liveblog bringing in live match tweets, photos and videos from the game and stadium but we also we want you to contribute. We’d love you to get in touch by Facebook, Twitter and email to send us your images, videos and audio of the big day. As well as taking our own photos and videos of fans arriving at Wembley, enjoying the day and singing their heads off we want your pictures. How was the journey down, who saw the Wembley arch first, what was the view like
from your seat? Let us know and help us build a real-time archive of what happened when Huddersfield Town went to Wembley! We’ll be interviewing fans before and after the game so send us your thoughts on the stadium, the fans and the result. Plus we’d love audio or video from your seat. We want to be able to replay the electrifying moment when tens of thousands of Town fans struck up Smile Awhile – plus the goal celebrations and hopefully the joy at and after the final whistle goes. Be part of what could be a historic day in HTFC’s history by taking part in our Wembley project. To reach us on Facebook just search Huddersfield Examiner (and Like us while you’re there) plus you can get in touch with us on Twitter via @examinerHTAFC and email us on editorial@examiner.co.uk
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The march on the arch HUDDERSFIELD TOWN (probable) IAN BENNETT Nationality: English Date of Birth: 10/10/1971 Height: 6' 0" (183cm) Weight: 12st 10lbs (80.81kg) Previous clubs: Peterborough, Birmingham, Sheffield Utd (loan), Sheffield Utd, Coventry City (loan), Leeds United Position: Goalkeeper: Benno has been in outstanding form this season and has been keeping Alex Smithies out of the starting line-up. His son is a big Sheffield United fan! JACK HUNT Nationality: English Date of Birth: 06/12/1990 Height: 5' 9" (175cm) Weight: 11st 2lbs (70.82kg) Previous clubs: Grays Athletic, Chesterfield (loan) Position: Defender: With bags of attacking ability and the pace to match, Hunt is undoubtedly one of Town’s prize assets and will be out to impress on the big stage. Scored in the play-off semi-final first leg against MK Dons. CALUM WOODS Nationality: English Date of Birth: 05/02/1987 Height: 5' 11" (180cm) Weight: 11st 7lbs (73.09kg) Previous clubs: Dunfermline. Position: Defender: Shown himself to be highly competitive and a valuable member of the back line this season, keeping out former Sheffield United left-back and Ex-Scotland international Gary Naysmith PETER CLARKE Nationality: English Date of Birth: 03/01/1982 Height: 6' 2" (188cm) Weight: 13st 2lbs (83.54kg) Previous clubs: Blackpool (loan), Everton, Southend, Port Vale (loan), Port Vale, Coventry City (loan), Blackpool Position: Defender: The captain will be hoping to make up for last season’s disappointment in the final by lifting the trophy at Wembley. The leader of the team in every sense of the word, he’s an outstanding competitor SEAN MORRISON Nationality: English Date of Birth: 08/01/1991 Height: 6' 4" (193cm) Weight: 12st 3lbs (77.63kg) Previous clubs: Swindon Town, Southend (loan), Huddersfield (loan), Sheffield Utd (loan). On loan to Town from Reading for a second time Position: Defender: Has flourished recently alongside skipper Peter Clarke and played a vital role in Town’s run to the play-off final. Two of his other clubs, Swindon and current employers Reading, have been promoted this time so he’s hoping to make it three out of three SCOTT ARFIELD Nationality: Scottish Date of Birth: 01/11/1988 Height: 5' 10" (178cm) Weight: 11st 0lbs (69.92kg) Previous clubs: Falkirk Position: Midfielder: Hoping to prove his fitness for the big day after being injured in the first leg of the play-off semi-final victory against MK Dons. Missed the second leg for treatment to his damaged left ankle. Has been playing well on the right hand side of midfield
DAMIEN JOHNSON Nationality: Northern Irish Date of Birth: 18/11/1978 Height: 5' 8" (173cm) Weight: 10st 4lbs (65.37kg) Previous clubs: Nottm Forest (loan), Blackburn, Birmingham, Plymouth, Huddersfield (loan) Position: Midfielder: After a season dogged by injuries, Johnson is at the top of his form at just the right time and forming a solid partnership with Tommy Miller in the centre of midfield. Johnson has brought all his international experience to bear in recent weeks, impressing as the heartbeat of the side TOMMY MILLER Nationality: English Date of Birth: 08/01/1979 Height: 6' 1" (185cm) Weight: 11st 8lbs (73.54kg) Previous clubs: Sunderland, Hartlepool, Preston (loan), Ipswich Town, Sheffield Wed Position: Midfielder: As a former Sheffield Wednesday player he is sure to get some stick from the Blades faithful at Wembley. Miller has found his best form under new manager Simon Grayson and has formed a solid partnership with Damien Johnson in midfield DANNY WARD Nationality: English Date of Birth: 09/12/1990 Height: 5' 11" (180cm) Weight: 13st 11lbs (87.5kg) Previous clubs: Coventry City, Bolton, Swindon Town (loan), Tamworth Position: Midfielder: Highly talented and skilful player on the left wing, he is keeping Gary Roberts out of the starting line-up. Desperate to beat Sheffield United after successive defeats in the play-offs with Swindon and Town JORDAN RHODES Nationality: English (but plays for Scotland) Date of Birth: 05/02/1990 Height: 6' 1" (185cm) Weight: 11st 3lbs (71.28kg) Previous clubs: Brentford (loan), Oxford United (loan), Ipswich Town, Rochdale (loan) Position: Striker: Town’s leading scorer for the last three seasons and in sparkling form this term with 40 goals for the club and six for the Scotland Under 21s. Needs a hat trick to break Town’s all-time scoring record in one season and two to equal the mark of Dave Mangnall in the 1930s LEE NOVAK Nationality: English Date of Birth: 8/09/1988 Height: 6' 0" (183cm) Weight: 12st 4lbs (78.09kg) Previous clubs: Gateshead Position: Striker: One of the most popular players in the whole squad because of his fantastic work rate on the pitch and his never-say-die attitude. Novak (inset) also contributes a terrific share of goals as well and is an ideal partner for leading marksman Jordan Rhodes Other squad members are: Alex Smithies, Tom Clarke, Gary Roberts, Alan Lee, Gary Naysmith, Jamie McCombe, Antony Kay, Danny Cadamarteri, Oscar Gobern, Anton Robinson, Diego Arismendi (loan), Nick Colgan, Kallum Higginbotham, Nathan Clarke.
■ ON OUR WAY: Town players celebrate their 3-2 aggregate win over MK Dons in the play-off semi-finals
SHEFFIELD UTD (probable) STEVE SIMONSEN Born: : South Shields, 3.4.79 Height: 189cm Weight: 93kg Following the sale of Paddy Kenny, the Blades moved quickly to secure the services of goalkeeper Steve on a permanent basis in the summer of 2010. He had impressed the Blades management and fans alike during a seven-game loan spell at Bramall Lane in the 2009-10 campaign. He began his career at Tranmere Rovers and just 42 appearances earned him a £3.3m move to Everton in 1998. Six seasons at Goodison Park failed to herald a regular first team spot and he rejected a new contract to sign for Stoke City, where has racked up more than 185 appearances and helped them into the Premier League. NEILL COLLINS Born: : Troon, Scotland, 2.9.83 Height: 191cm Weight: 86kg Defender Neill was United’s only capture of January 2011 transfer deadline day, with the Blades paying Yorkshire rivals Leeds an undisclosed fee for his services. The combative central defender played two games during a loan spell with United in 2006, including a Steel City derby win at Hillsborough. He began his career with Queens Park and also represented Dumbarton before heading south of the border. Mick McCarthy signed him for Sunderland and Wolves, whilst he has also had spells with Preston North End and Leeds, helping the Elland Road club to win promotion from League One. MATT HILL DOB: 26.3.81 Born: : Bristol Signed when United suffered a defensive crisis at the start of March 2012, Matt agreed a loan deal until the end of the campaign from Blackpool and made his Blades debut at Walsall. Matt began his career at Bristol City, chalking up over 200 appearances before spells at Preston NE, Wolves, QPR and Barnsley ahead of moving to Blackpool in the summer of 2011.
MICHAEL DOYLE Born: : Dublin, Ireland, 8.11.81 Height: 173cm Weight: 73kg Michael spent seven and a half years at Coventry before he was tempted by becoming Micky Adams’ first permanent signing at Bramall Lane, the Irishman agreeing a two and a half year contract. A Republic of Ireland international, Doyle began his career with Celtic, having a loan spell in Denmark with AGF Aarhus before signing for Coventry, making over 250 league appearances for the Sky Blues. He also had a loan at Leeds, helping them win promotion from League One. He certainly adds bite and energy to United’s midfield RYAN FLYNN Born: : Edinburgh, Scotland, 4.9.88 Height: 170cm Weight: 66kg Pacey winger Ryan arrived at the Lane in the summer of 2011 as United’s only cash purchase of the transfer window as the Club paid Falkirk an undisclosed fee. He began his career at Falkirk before securing a switch to Liverpool as a teenager, helping them win the FA Youth Cup. After being unable to break into the first team at Anfield, he returned to Falkirk and scored their first ever goal in European football as well as starring for them in the Scottish Premier League. He made his Blades debut on the opening day of the campaign at Oldham Athletic. MATTHEW LOWTON Born: : Chesterfield, 9.6.89 Height: 181cm Weight: 73kg A local lad and a product of the Blades Academy, Matt signed a new long-term contract with the Blades in the summer of 2011. He is a tall, quick defender who can operate in a number of roles across the backline or in midfield - he made his United debut as a late substitute in March 2010, at Cardiff. He progressed through the ranks at Bramall Lane and also gained experience with loan spells at Sheffield FC and United’s sister club in Hungary, Ferencvaros.
HARRY MAGUIRE Born: : Sheffield/ DoB: 05.03.93 Height: 192cm Weight: 95kg Towering central defender Harry scored his first and United’s opening goal of the 2011-12 season with a powerful header at Oldham Athletic in August. He made his senior debut against Cardiff (marking Craig Bellamy) in April 2011 after impressing for the reserves and in United’s magnificent FA Youth Cup run, helping the Club to the final. The Blades signed him from Barnsley in his formative years and as well as being a major physical presence; he also possesses neat feet and is more than capable of playing out from the back. KEVIN McDONALD Born: : Carnoustie, Scotland, 4.11.88 Height: 185cm Weight: 80kg Scottish U21s international Kevin signed a one-year deal in August 2011 and made his debut in the home victory over Brentford. The powerfully-built midfielder had spent time on trial with the Blades and impressed Danny Wilson enough to be offered a contract. He began his career with Dundee and reportedly attracted interest from Celtic before signing for Burnley in 2008, making over 100 appearances for them, as well as having loan spells at Scunthorpe United and Notts County, before allowing his contract to expire at Turf Moor. CHRIS PORTER Born: : Wigan, 12.12.83 Height: 186cm Weight: 81kg Striker Chris was one of United’s major signings in the summer of 2012, agreeing a two year deal after leaving Derby County, for whom his career was interrupted by injury problems. He made his Blades debut on the opening day of the campaign, against his former Club, Oldham Athletic. Chris was prolific with the Latics in League One and he also scored goals for Bury and Motherwell before moving to Pride Park in 2009. Ironically, in his last performance for Derby, Chris scored a hat-trick at Bramall Lane in a reserve title decider!
STEPHEN QUINN Born: : Dublin, Ireland, 4.4.86 Height: 172cm Weight: 69kg Another to progress through United’s youth set up, hard-working Irishman Stephen is firmly established as a regular in midfield, racking up more than 150 starts, after making his debut during the Club’s tenure in the Premiership. Last season his impressive performances, despite relegation, saw him collect the Player of the Year award, amongst a host of other honours. He is the brother of Alan, also a professional, who was formerly with United, whilst two other siblings, Gerry and Keith, were former youth players with the Blades. LEE WILLIAMSON Born: : Derby, 7.6.82 Height: 178cm Weight: 76kg United’s first summer signing of 2009, midfielder Lee’s time with the Club was hampered somewhat by a back injury. He began his career with Mansfield Town and then moved on to Northampton Town before attracting the attentions of South Yorkshire football fans with an impressive spell at Rotherham United, which earned him a move to the Championship with Watford. He then racked up 80 appearances for the Hornets. Despite being born in Derby, his performances have attracted the attentions of the Jamaican management in the past.
Squad members include : Nick Mongomery, Andy Taylor, Richard Cresswell, Johannes Ertl, Matthew Harriott, Lescinal Jean-Francois, George Long, David McAllister, Michael O’Halloran, Erik Tonne and Marcus Williams.
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The march on the arch
FIREMAN’S LIFT Tom Cowan may work for a 999 Sheffield crew but he’s backing Town to win at Wembley By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk
TOM COWAN is backing Town to come out on top in the clash of his former clubs – at least that’s what he’s telling the Examiner! “I can’t really lose, but I can’t really win either,” laughed the popular former left-back, who was a member of the last Town side to play at Wembley back in 1995, when Bristol Rovers were beaten 2-1 in the League I play-off final. “I’ve got a foot in both camps, so to speak, and while I have fantastic memories of my time at Huddersfield, I work among Sheffield United supporters.” Scotsman Cowan, who cost £150,000 when signed from the Blades by Neil Warnock in 1994 – when Town also went to Wembley in the final of the Autoglass Trophy – and made 165 Town appearances, is now a fire fighter in the steel city. The 42-year-old sees United regularly from the Bramall Lane press box, giving a blow-by-blow account of their home games to the Press Association agency. But he’ll be watching tomorrow’s big final from Benidorm, where he will be among a 10-strong stag party. “There are a mixture of Wednesday and United fans going, and of course the Wednesday supporters will be behind Town,” he added. “On the QT, I will be too, and while I think the match will be tight and cagey, I believe Town could edge it. “United have certainly got their strong points, not least a very solid defence as shown by them keeping clean sheets in both semi-final legs against Stevenage. “Two young lads, full-back Matt Lowton and centre-half Harry Maguire, have really stood out for me this season. “Lowton has got stronger and stronger while Maguire, having caught the eye in United’s run to last season’s FA
■ GREAT DAY: Then manager Neil Warnock holds the trophy after Town’s 1995 win at Wembley and, right, Cowan in Galpharm colours Youth Cup final, looks like he’s been around for ages. “He’s got a maturity beyond his years (the Sheffield-born player is 19), and it’s not a surprise that’s he’s been linked with higher-level clubs. “Should United lose, they could well find it hard to keep hold of the pair of them, and that adds to the pressure on them to succeed.” While the Blades are sharp at the back, Cowan – who also played for Clyde, Rangers, Burnley, Cambridge, York, Dundee and Carlisle – believes they could struggle to score. “They’ve certainly missed Ched Evans,” he said of the Wales international striker whose jailing for rape has been well chronicled. “They’ve lost a player who had scored 35 times, and that takes some replacing, and on top of that, they have James Beattie suspended. “They’ll be hoping Richard Cresswell
has recovered from his eye problem, because otherwise, they’ll only have Chris Porter as an out-and-out striker. “Against that background, they did really well to get past Stevenage, who impressed me when they played at Bramall Lane in a league game late in the season. “United were stubborn over both legs and managed to force the goal that took them through to the final. “But they’ll have to work hard to keep Town out, because in Jordan Rhodes they have a proven and dangerous scorer and in Lee Novak, a really hard-working player who can both get goals and create them. “Throw in the experience of Alan Lee, who I played alongside at Burnley, and the potential brilliance of Danny Ward and United will be tested.” C o w a n s ay s h e ’s delighted that Town s u p p o r t e r s h av e another chance to see their side at Wembley. “It was great to play there twice for the club, although I have to say the play-off final was better than the Autoglass, because we won,” he said. “After an even first half (Andy Booth put Town in front with a looping header before Marcus Stewart volleyed Bristol Rovers level) we were under the cosh for quite a time in the second half. “They seemed to create a lot of chances but struggled to put them away, then Neil threw on Iain Dunn and he came up with a great cross which led to Chris Billy’s winner. “Seeing that goal go in was fantastic, and being able to celebrate in front of our supporters was an amazing feeling.”
Grayson’s relaxed over possible penalties TOWN have prepared for a possible penalty shoot-out – but boss Simon Grayson will not decide on his five takers until it happens. “We practice penalties as a matter of course,” explained the Town manager a week
a f t e r C h e l s e a wo n t h e Champions League that way. “ B u t yo u c a n n eve r replicate the real thing, because doing it in training is a long way from doing it after 120 minutes of football in front of a big crowd.
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“You get players who feel right up for taking a penalty and others who don’t fancy it, but it’s down to the moment. “It’s a situation we’ll deal with if and when it happens.” To w n l o s t t h e i r l a s t
shoot-out, against Bradford in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in October. But they memorably got past Bournemouth on penalties in last season’s play-off semi-finals, when Antony Kay was the hero.
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■ I’M THE MAN: Jordan Rhodes took his goal tally for the season to 40 with his strike against MK Dons in the play-off semi-final second leg (top, and celebration above). He goes to Wembley tomorrow needing two more goals to equal Dave Mangnall’s all-time record of 42 in the 1931-32 campaign. What price a Rhodes hat trick against the Blades and a piece of Town history?
MASTER MARKSMAN
The march on the arch
There’s no point going to Wembley and not winning
■ ELATION: Morecambe's then assistant manager Mark Lillis celebrates with match-winner Danny Carlton (right) and manager Sammy McIlroy (left) after Morecambe won promotion to the Football League in 2007 after defeating Exeter 2-1 By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
MARK LILLIS knows the thrill of winning promotion with Town and urged the class of 2012: “Go and embrace Wembley!”
The club’s academy manager, 52, was part of Mick Buxton’s heroic teams of 1979-80 and 1982-83, when he was top scorer with 20 league goals. Now an integral part of Simon Grayson’s backroom team, Lillis is delighted Town have a final shot at League I promotion on the biggest stage of all. And he firmly believes the squad have the ability to defeat
Sheffield United and raise the profile of Town and their academy in the Championship. “It’s wonderful to be going to Wembley – especially for me when I’ve only been back at the club four months!” said Lillis, whose never-say-die playing style made him a massive favourite among the fans. “I’ve been there twice as a coach and won and that’s the important thing, there’s no point going to Wembley and not winning. “It was right the lads enjoyed getting through against MK Dons, but the focus since then has been on getting it right in the final and in what is a very big game. “The play-offs are never easy – that was shown by the way MK Dons battled all the way to the end – but all credit to the manager and the staff, because there has been a calm around the place and you need that, so that everyone can focus. It would obviously be fantastic to beat
Sheffield United and to go up to the Championship, not just for the club as a whole but for me as academy manager. “Being at that level would mean higher-profile games for the club week in and week out and, in the academy, it would enable us to attract better young players into the club. “That’s why it’s so important for everyone to focus on getting the job done and winning on Saturday.” Lillis was coaching in Spain before being asked back to the club to replace Graham Mitchell in the academy, and he took charge of the first team for a short spell after the dismissal of Lee Clark and before chairman Dean Hoyle appointed Simon Grayson. He is close to the senior players and is convinced they have what it takes to make it third time lucky in the play-offs after successive defeats to Millwall (semi-finals) and Peterborough (last season’s final at Old Trafford).
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The march on the arch
Academy so vital to our future planning By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
■ LETHAL: Jordan Rhodes shows the skill which has enabled him to double Mark Lillis’s promotion tally of 20 goals from the 1982-83 season. Lillis, seen inset in his playing days for Town, believes Rhodes is a potential Wembley match-winner Lillis believes Town have the ultimate match winner in Jordan Rhodes, who has 40 goals for Town and six for the Scotland Under 21s this season. “I got 20 goals when we got promoted in 1983, so he has beaten me by 20!” joked Lillis. “All I can think is I must have been doing something wrong. I’ve been saying to Jordan since I came back to the club ‘40, 40, 40’ and now he’s gone and done it. “I know he looks at me and thinks ‘silly old Lillis is at it again’, but it’s a fantastic achievement and, after the semi-final second leg I went down to the changing rooms and gave him a great big pat on the back. “The great thing is he still has one more game left, so who knows how many goals he
will finish the season with? “I’m sure he would trade them all for the winner on Saturday, though, because that’s what this is all about, the club and the team going up.” So what is his final bit of advice to the players? “Go and enjoy yourselves, win and make yourselves heroes,” he answered. “The one thing about Huddersfield Town is that if you role up your sleeves and give it your 100% best every time you pull on the shirt, the fans will love you. “I still get asked about our promotions to this day, the players in those teams are always welcomed back as conquering heroes and these lads now have the chance to create that for themselves.”
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“It’s all about Huddersfield Town now and it’s all about the lads sticking together and getting the job done,” he said. “You have to have belief in your ability and we’ve certainly got that. I always say ‘big players, big games’ and this is when you need your big players to perform. “The players should really embrace Wembley and the whole occasion – because there is no better place to win. “Danny Wilson, the Sheffield United manager, is a winner and so is our boss Simon Grayson – as he has proved with Blackpool and Leeds – so it will be down to which team handles it all on the day. “There’s no reason why that can’t be us and there is no better feeling in the world of football than to win at Wembley.”
SIMON GRAYSON says a flourishing Town Academy is vital to his planning for the club. The Town boss is hopeful Academy manager Mark Lillis and development coach Steve Eyre can provide a conveyor-belt of talent to draft into what he hopes will be a Championship squad. “It’s vitally important the Academy does well because there is not a lot of money around in football these days, so it’s great for any club to be able to have home-grown players coming through,” he explained. “When you look through the current squad, eight or nine of them have come through the Academy system and some others have moved on to other clubs – so it shows the importance. “I’m a big believer in the system and my own son (Joe) is in the academy at Blackburn Rovers. “I watch him every week when I can and I see what the parents go through as well as the lads. “If we get promoted, all it will do is increase the profile of our Academy, it will help with the funding of it all and it will help Mark with recruitment, so it’s vitally important.” Grayson has been pleased to get players like Chris Atkinson involved towards the end of the campaign. “I’ve always been a believer in the philosophy that if someone is good enough to make the team, they are old enough,” added the manager. “Hopefully we’ll have more young lads coming through who are bursting with pride to wear the Huddersfield Town shirt.”
The march on the arch
just Morrison: I just Morrison: pray this this team team pray does itself itself justice justice does By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
SEAN MORRISON doesn’t know if he’ll be playing in the Premiership, Championship or League I next season but he’s certain about one thing – if Town do themselves justice at Wembley they’ll win. The 21-year-old centre-back on loan from Reading – who paid tribute to the influence of skipper Peter Clarke on his impressive performances – has 22 appearances for Town so far and he’s determined to make No23 particularly special in front of 70,000 fans at the national stadium. That crowd will include his family and more than 20 friends up from Plymouth, but while Morrison intends to “savour the moment” of playing in the biggest game of his career, his sole priority is defeating Sheffield United and earning promotion to the Championship. “The gaffer has told us to make sure we come off the field having no regrets and he’s right, because if we give everything in the game and do ourselves justice then I can see only one winner at the end of the day,” said Morrison. “It’s no good getting to the final whistle thinking we could have done more, and I don’t think that will happen because we’ve got a fantastic squad here and a tremendous spirit. “While the build-up has been relaxed, there’s been a buzz in training, you can tell everyone is looking forward to the game and, hopefully, everyone is ready to go in the final.” Morrison has been to Wembley for the last two seasons with the Swindon and Reading squads who lost – and he’s pleased to be playing this time so that he can have some influence on what he hopes will be a different outcome. “We have to be confident and we have to
If we come away with no regrets we’ll have won believe we are going to win, otherwise there is no point turning up,” said the tall and strong defender. “I am going into the game with the highest of expectations – both for myself and the team – because I believe we are going to win and I’m sure the rest of the lads feel that way too. “Those who were involved last year at Old Trafford will no doubt be driven on by that experience and not want a repeat, and any incentive anyone wants to take to avoid the pain of defeat has to be a good thing. “It’s the most cruel way to finish a season, getting to the play-off final and not winning. Like the gaffer says, if you don’t win the final you might as well have finished 16th or 17th in the table. “But it’s also the best way to win promotion and I’ve no doubt we’ve got the ability to win. “I’ve seen what the horrible feeling of defeat at Wembley does to people over the last two years and it’s not something I want to go through now – this is one of the biggest games in English football, the League I play-off final, and I want to be remembering it with a win.” Morrison’s recent form alongside skipper Clarke (inset) has been pivotal to the progress of Simon Grayson’s side – they were both highly influential in the play-off semi-final matches against MK Dons, which Town won 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-0 win at stadium:mk. “Pete makes my job easy, he’s a fantastic player and brilliant to line up alongside,” explained the
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man who still has two years on his contract at newly-promoted Premiership club Reading. “He is everything you would want in a centre-back because he’s a leader. I am learning from him in every game and it’s come together well for us in the final few matches of the season, so hopefully that will continue for one game more. “Like most sides we did go through a dip in form, but I’m glad we have picked up some momentum for the play-offs and we deserved to beat MK Dons, who I thought were the toughest of opposition, and now we’ve got our chance to win promotion.” So what can Morrison – the man who marks him in training – tell us of the prospects of Jordan Rhodes adding to his 40 club goals so far? “If you give Jordan a chance he is near odds-on to score and he is definitely among he best strikers outside the Premiership – but he would be the first to say it’s not all about him, and he’s right,” he answered. “I mark Jordan in training and if you give him even half a yard he’s got an effort on target, he’s making the keeper save or he’s scored, so you can never relax. “He showed that in the semi-finals against MK Dons, but there is no need to overload him with pressure because Jordan takes it all in his stride anyway and, on top of that, we’ve also got Lee Novak up there with 17 goals to his name – and he’s one of the best strikers in League I in his own right.” So will Morrison be back at the Galpharm next season? “What happens will be up to the gaffer and chairman at Reading and the gaffer and chairman here and I’ve really no idea,” he said. “All I can say is that if this is to be my last game for Town then I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here, the supporters have really taken to me and been fantastic and I just hope we can reward them with a win against Sheffield United and that place in the Championship. I’ve had a brilliant time here and a Wembley win really would cap it all off.”
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The march on the arch
■ THE OLD: Wembley Stadium as it was with the Twin Towers
The story of how 133m Arch replaced famous Twin Towers
■ THE NEW: Wembley Stadium as it is, opened in 2007 IT’S 17 years since Town were at Wembley ... and there have been a few changes! In fact other than the name and location, there is little in common between the rebuilt national stadium in North London and its predecessor. The old Wembley, where Town played five times, closed in 2000 and was originally due to reopen in August 2005. However delays meant the new stadium was not ready until March 2007. Designed by Foster & Partners and HOK Sport, the stadium which was built by Multiplex cost £737m to construct. That meant that as well as being late, it was over-budget, but the consensus is that it was worth the wait and extra expenditure. Gone are the famous Twin Towers, in their place the spectacular Arch, which stretches 133m high and can be seen from across the capital. Looking especially good when illuminated at night, the white tubular steel structure also has a practical use, being a load-bearing support frame for the roofs of the stands. The new Wembley is totally enclosed and comprises three tiers, with both touchline sides being slightly larger than the ends. The sides are semi-circular in construction and although on a larger scale, are reminiscent of the design at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, where Town played in last season’s FA Cup. There are large upper and lower tiers, with a smaller middle tier sandwiched in between, overhanging the lower tier with a row of executive boxes at the back. At each end is a large video screen,
■ DO IT: Sean Morrison dhas called on his teammates not to let themselves down on the big stage
moulded into the structure and therefore an integral part of the stadium. With no pillars or columns and a good height between each row, each of the 90,000 seats has an unobstructed view of a pitch which measures 105m x 68m. Underneath, the usual breeze blocks and pipes have been hidden with timber rafting and well positioned lighting, giving a modern look. And there is one refreshment till per 100 spectators! Up above, the roof is partially retractable, meaning the pitch will always be open to the elements. Unlike the old stadium, where the tunnel was at one end, players now enter in the more conventional way, onto the halfway line from the North Stand, where the Royal Box is situated. From this stand, Town’s supporters will be to the right. Situated in front of the stadium is a bronze statue of Bobby Moore, with England’s legendary World Cup winner gazing down on fans coming up Wembley Way. Designated a ‘public transport’ destination, meaning there is limited parking availability, the nearest Underground station is Wembley Park, around a 10-minute walk away and served by the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. Slightly further away is Wembley Central, which has both rail (from Euston) and Underground (Bakerloo) connections. The Wembley Stadium rail station is served by trains from Marylebone.
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The march on the arch
Highs and lows of play-offs
Town bid to recreate glory times
1991/1992
Peterborough (A) 2-2
Only a last-ditch Mick Halsall equaliser prevented Town from taking a lead into the second leg of this Third Division play-off tie. A courageous display from the away side should have been coupled with a victory as Town battled their way to dominance throughout the game. Iffy Onuora sent the travelling Town fans into raptures with the opener, but immediately after the re-start Peterborough were level through Ken Charlery. When former Halifax centre-back David Robinson scored in his own net, it looked like Town’s efforts had been rewarded. However, despite several chances to increase their lead, it was the home side who grabbed the final goal, levelling the tie.
Peterborough (H) 1-2
Another late goal ended Town’s Wembley dream, as they squandered a third-minute lead to lose 2-1. Phil Starbuck had given the home side the lead, but the performance from then lacked the fluency that Ian Ross had begun to instil in his side. An anxious Town surrendered their lead in the 69th minute when Tony Adcock assisted Worrell Sterling. The away side pushed for a winner, and as the game looked to be coming to an end, Steve Cooper fired Peterborough into the final in the most dramatic fashion.
1994/1995
Brentford (H) 1-1
The visitors survived a second half onslaught from a Town side who deserved to be taking a lead into the second leg. It meant Town, who led from a ninth-minute Chris Billy goal, would need to score in the second leg at Griffin Park. Though Town were the better side, Nicky Forster’s equaliser was good enough to grace any game in any competition. Just four minutes from half-time the Brentford man scored with a blistering near-post volley. Amidst a number of gilt-edged second half chances, Billy came the closest to grabbing a winner as his angled volley thundered off the right hand post and into Brentford stopper Kevin Dearden’s arms.
Brentford (A) 1-1 (3-4 on pens)
Town won a dramatic shoot-out to seal their place at Wembley and keep their promotion dreams alive. Darren Bullock scored the decisive spot-kick at Griffin Park as Neil Warnock’s side won 4-3 on penalties having drawn 1-1 after extra-time.
The 2,400 travelling Town fans were rewarded with a gutsy performance, and a terrific atmosphere. Andy Booth had given Town the lead on the night after a goalkeeper fumble allowed the forward to stroke in his 29th goal of the season. After Martin Grainger had levelled for the home side, Town’s greater nerve saw them progress to Wembley.
Bristol Rovers (N) 2-1
Chris Billy’s dramatic late winner will be etched into Town fans’ minds for years to come (picture). His goal ten minutes from time sealed Town’s promotion to Division Two, cueing wild celebrations from fans, players and everyone associated with the club. Having taken the lead in first-half stoppage time through an Andy Booth header, Town were pegged back 65 seconds later when Marcus Stewart grabbed an equaliser. Neil Warnock’s side fought valiantly in the second-half and despite surrendering the lion’s share of chances, deserved their moment of glory. Substitute Iain Dunn crossed for Booth who headed down for Billy to send Town up.
2001/2002 Brentford (H) 0-0
Andy Booth was denied three goals as Town were unlucky not to take a lead to Griffin Park. The striker had two efforts ruled out by the officials, while an earlier effort struck the crossbar. Just after the hour-mark Town thought they had the lead when Booth found the back of the net, but the referee ruled that the front-man had used his hand in the build-up. The home fans were denied a first leg goal again when minutes later Booth was denied by the assistant’s flag. The visitors almost snatched a last-gasp winner, but Town ‘keeper Martyn Margetson was on hand to stop Steve Sidwell’s effort.
Brentford (A) 2-1
Town surrendered a second-minute lead, as Brentford secured a trip to the Millennium Stadium with a 2-1 victory. Andy Booth was unlucky not to score in the first leg, but fortunes were on his side at Griffin Park as a second-minute strike squirmed under Bees goalkeeper Paul Smith to give the away side the lead. But Steve Coppell’s men pulled level when a 37th minute free-kick was headed in by Darren Powell. They took the lead just after half-time through Lloyd Owusu, and though Lou Macari’s side battled bravely for an equaliser, they failed to get a second.
WORDS: Bonny Dellow 2003/2004 Lincoln (A) 1-2
Goals from Iffy Onuora and David Mirfin earned Town a solid victory, and took them one step closer to the Division Three play-off final. The away side flew out the traps and after just five minutes got their reward when Onuora headed his first goal since rejoining the Terriers. Town were dominating, but whatever Lincoln manager Keith Alexander said at the break did the job, as Gary Fletcher levelled the scores early into the second half. The goal gave Alexander’s side greater attacking impetus. However, a bullet header from Andy Booth was parried straight into the path of the unmarked Mirfin, who ensured Town would take a lead into the second leg.
Lincoln (H) 2-2
A late equaliser from Rob Edwards fired Town into the play-off final, after the away side had taken a shock two goal lead. Richard Butcher and Mark Bailey both scored late in the first half to silence the McAlpine Stadium crowed. A penalty on the hour mark from Danny Schofield
levelled the tie on aggregate, and the home side went in search of another. Town continued to push forward and they came close to grabbing the goal they wanted when Schofield nearly connected with an Andy Booth cross. As the final whistle approached, skipper Edwards lashed the ball past Marriott in the Lincoln net to send the Terriers to the Millennium Stadium.
Mansfield (N) 0-0 (4-1 on pens)
Town beat Mansfield 4-1 on penalties to clinch promotion to Division Two, after an exciting game. How both sides went without scoring is anyone’s guess, with each team creating chances in a thrilling affair. Town’s best chance of the game fell to semi-final goalscorer Danny Schofield, but an incredible last-ditch tackle from Tom Curtis kept the scores at 0-0. Mansfield thought they had won it late on when Colin Larkin put the ball in the Huddersfield goal, but the attempt was disallowed after the cross went out of play. Town's Lee Fowler scored the decisive penalty in the shoot-out as Corden and Lawrence missed for the Stags.
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The march on the arch
2005/2006 Barnsley (A) 0-1
Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s 85th minute goal gave Town a deserved lead in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Barnsley. The away side had spurned a number of good chances before the striker bundled in the winner. Taylor-Fletcher and Danny Schofield both missed good opportunities to gain the crucial first-leg victory. However, following some confusion in the Barnsley defence Taylor-Fletcher was able to knock the ball over the line. The home side struggled to create chances, and Town took the victory back to the Galpharm for the second leg.
Barnsley (H) 1-3
A disappointing 3-1 home defeat saw Barnsley progress to the final, and leave Town fans wondering what could have been. Three second-half goals from the away side, including a controversial penalty, ruled out Town’s first leg lead. An own goal from Paul Heckingbottom restored Town’s aggregate lead after a Paul Hayes penalty, but further goals from Paul Reid and Daniel
Nardiello left Town boss Peter Jackson disappointed: “The turning point was the penalty, which I didn't think was one.” he said.
2009/2010
Millwall (H) 0-0
2010/2011
Bournemouth (A) 1-1
A nervy game ended in a 0-0 stalemate, as both sides looked relatively happy with the draw. Millwall had two penalty appeals turned down, while the Terriers went close through Jordan Rhodes and on-loan Danny Drinkwater. The Lions barely ventured into Town’s area, and each time they did they were denied penalty shouts. The home side’s best chance fell to Rhodes, but the striker scooped his attempt over from just six yards out. The action on the pitch was more than matched by that in the stands, as three visiting fans were arrested.
Kevin Kilbane put Town ahead, before Donal McDermott levelled with a 25-yard strike on the hour mark. Bournemouth looked the more dangerous of the sides in the early stages of the match, but it was Town who drew first blood. Gary Roberts whipped in a left-footed corner, and the experienced Kilbane Powered a header into the Bournemouth goal. An Ian Bennett penalty save looked to have given Town a push to the final whistle, but Cherries’ McDermott earned his side a draw with a wonder-strike.
Millwall (A) 2-0
Bournemouth (H) 3-3 (4-2 on pens)
It was play-off heartbreak again for Town, as they were defeated 2-0 at the New Den. Goals from Steve Morison and Paul Robinson fired Kenny Jackett’s side into the final. Town never really got into their stride, despite the
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game opening up late on. Alex Smithies had parried a cross into Morison’s path for the opener, and the match was put beyond doubt when Robinson headed home from a corner with just 10 minutes remaining.
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A classic play-off encounter saw Huddersfield run out eventual 4-2 winners on penalties. The enthralling game had ended 3-3 after extra time, after Lee Peltier had put Town ahead on the night.
Bournemouth’s Liam Feeney and Anton Robinson missed from the spot as Town slotted all four of their kicks home, with Kay scoring the winning penalty. Further goals from Danny Ward and Anthony Kay forced the shoot-out after a Steve Lovell double and an extra time goal from Danny Ings. An electric atmosphere was rewarded with a memorable game that will live long in Terrier memories.
Peterborough (N) 0-3
Town conceded three goals in seven minutes at Old Trafford to end their hopes of promotion. An end-to-end game looked to be heading to extra-time until a 77th-minute Tommy Rowe header fired Posh into the lead. Town barely had time to settle after the re-start, as they conceded a second less than two minutes later from Craig Mackail-Smith. The tie, and Town’s promotion dream, was effectively over on 84 minutes when an unstoppable free-kick from Grant McCann made it 3-0. The scoreline was harsh on the Terriers, but that offered little by way of consolation for Lee Clark’s side.
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