Play Offs Special Preview Supplement 28.05.2011

Tomorrow ... Old Trafford ... 3pm ...

Town v Peterborough Sunday, May 29, 2011

CLARK: We don’t fear Fergie factor - Pages -2, 3 HOYLE: The team behind Town - Pages 4, 5 BELIEVE: Your Old Trafford poster - Centre pages PLUS: Afobe, McCombe, Cadamarteri & pen pics

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2

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

League One Play-off FINAL

WE DON’T FEAR THE FERGIE FACTOR ■ GENERATION GAME: Darren and Alex Ferguson

L

EE CLARK has dismissed the Ferguson factor as he prepares for the biggest match of his managerial career.

Town’s ambitious boss faced the full force of the national media as he continued preparations for tomorrow’s big match against Peterborough.

The talk was all about whether Posh chief Darren Ferguson’s could gain any advantage through his relationship with dad Sir Alex, particularly with Manchester United hosting the play-off final.

But Clark was quick to point out that he too has benefited from the advice of the Old Trafford chief, and a host of other managers.

“You tend to find we look after each other in this business,” said the 38-year-old, who is chasing elevation to the Championship in his second full season at the Galpharm helm.

“Whenever I meet or talk to other managers, I try to pick their brains a little, and Sir Alex has always been more than helpful to me.

“Of course Darren is in the position of being able to pick up the phone and get hold of the bloke who is the best in the business at any time, but he’s very much his own man.

“And don’t forget, Sir Alex has got the small matter of a Champions League final to prepare for, and neither him nor Darren, or me for that matter, can actually go out there and play.

By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor

doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk

“Our job is to prepare our teams as best we possibly can, and that’s what we’ve both been trying to do.

“Peterborough are a good side – we know what they’re all about – and I have respect for Darren, who is a guy I know and like.

“But I’m desperate to get the better of him tomorrow, because I desperately want to be managing in the Championship next season.”

Both Town and Posh, who finished third and fourth in League I respectively, can boast impressive records ahead of the showdown.

Clark’s men are unbeaten in 27 league games, easily a club record in a single season, while Posh have plundered 128 goals in 56 games in all competitions.

They have been prevented from scoring in only four of those matches (at Tranmere, away to Hartlepool, at home to Brighton and at MK Dons, all in the league).

But they’ve also conceded 95, and Town will be going all out to add to that tally in what looks likely to be an action-packed game.

Clark, whose side have won, drawn and lost against Posh in their three meetings so far this season, continued: “We’re all looking forward to it.

“It’s the highest finishing sides playing each other, which doesn’t always happen in the play-offs, and there’s a huge prize at the end of it.

“You can sense that every player in the group is desperate to be involved, and that’s no surprise because it’s a huge game at one of the best venues around.

“Sure, there will be a few nerves come the day of the game, but you need to have that, and my players have shown they can perform on the big stage.

“We went to Arsenal in the FA Cup and they embraced the occasion and produced one of their best performances of the season. I think the venue lifted and inspired them.

“They’ve also shown physical and mental strength over the season, and that’s crucial, because it’s not just about talent and ability.

“We have a good blend in the squad, with experienced lads who have shown their worth and younger players who have grasped the situation.

“We also have fantastic fans who are heading to Old Trafford in huge numbers and will make a huge amount of noise.

“They’ve been brilliant all season, they know what’s at stake and they will back us from the first minute to the last.

“Of course we know it’s going to be tough, but we also know we have the ability to do it.”

Robbo’s trip from Rhyl to Old Trafford GARY ROBERTS has been waiting for tomorrow for the last 10 years!

Released by home-city club Liverpool at 17, the tricky winger returned to full-time game after four years of heading into Wales three times a week while working as a computer technician.

“It was tough trying to fit in matches and training around work,” admitted the 27-year-old, who played for Denbigh, Bala, Rhyl, Bangor and Welshpool.

By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk

“I’d be playing every Saturday and often on a Tuesday, and we’d have at least one training session too.

“But I love playing football, and I always retained belief in myself and my ability, and always hoped I’d get a second chance.”

That chance came when Accrington Stanley swooped during the 2004-05 campaign, when they were still playing in the Conference.

A key man in the side who won promotion to the Football League in 2005-06, when he netted 13 goals, Robbo won England semi-professional recognition while at Stanley before heading into the Championship with Ipswich.

Now the man who left Portman Road for the Galpharm in the 2008 close-season is desperate for the chance to return there, as well as visiting the likes of Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and West Ham. “There are some cracking clubs in the Championship and it’s a great division to be in,” he added. “We know that with one more push, we’ll be there.”

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PETERBOROUGH UTD

League One Play-off FINAL 3

Victory is a Giant incentive

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS are throwing their considerable weight behind Town’s bid for Old Trafford play-off glory.

Although the Giants play at Hull FC tomorrow (12.30pm), the squad will gather round a TV watch their footballing colleagues’ biggest game of the season.

Giants’ Australian head coach Nathan Brown (inset) said: “We’ve got an excellent working relationship with the Town boys and we’d have loved to have been at Old Trafford to cheer them on.

“But we’ve obviously got a big game of our own at Hull, which is vitally important for us as we try and stay at the top end of the Super League competition.

“All our focus throughout this week and on Sunday lunchtime has been about doing everything we can to beat Hull, but as soon as our game’s over we’ll turn our attention to Town.

“We’re planning to leave Hull pretty soon after our game and find somewhere to watch the game as a group.

“We can’t be at Old Trafford in person, but we can be there in spirit.

“We’d love to see them do it, and on behalf of everyone at the Giants I’d like to wish them the very best of luck.

“I just hope this is the year that both of Huddersfield’s professional clubs get to Old Trafford, because we’d love to be there for the Super League Grand Final later in the season!”

Show you BELIEVE!

■ WHAT A JOURNEY: Gary Roberts

THE EXAMINER believes in Town’s promotion credentials – and fans can show they do too by taking the centre-spread poster in this supplement to Old Trafford.

We’ve produced them at the request of Town chairman Dean Hoyle after fans were told the Believe ‘clappers’ which proved so popular and effective at the semi-final against Bournemouth at the Galpharm won’t be allowed over in Manchester.

So once you’ve read our 16-page special, don’t forget to take the centre-page spread to the big match and show you BELIEVE!

● See - Centre spread

4

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

League One Play-off FINAL

CONTRACT That’s top of Dean Hoyle’s list ... after tomorrow’s big match

By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk

D

EAN HOYLE makes no bones about the fact his priority after the play-off final will be to sort a new long-term contract for manager Lee Clark.

While many of the players have committed to the club for several years – including influential skipper Peter Clarke – the club chairman is keen to continue that trend with the staff.

Boss Clark, in the final year of his initial three-year deal, has talked positively about remaining at the Galpharm, although both he and the chairman have been keen to leave the detail until after tomorrow’s big date against Peterborough at Old Trafford.

With the chance of Championship football just 24 hours away, however, Hoyle explained why he’s keen to keep things progressing as they are.

“All the board and the management work well together,” he said.

“Nigel Clibbens, Sean Jarvis, Ann Hough, myself, Lee Clark, Terry McDermott and the rest, we all work well together and we are a young team who connect.

“We are honest, we don’t leave ourselves under any illusions and we get on with the job.

“I’m quite a hard task master, but Lee knows what I want.

“He knows I want a team with desire and will to win, and the team Lee has assembled has shown nothing less than what I want.

“I always say nobody gets shot for trying in life and, as I’ve said before, there is more desire in this Town team than I can ever remember.

“They want it. They are desperate to deliver for all of us and the players want to be part of what’s going on at Huddersfield Town long term.

“Lee and myself also have a good working relationship. We speak all the time and Lee speaks to the board, but it’s all quite informal.

“We have board meetings, obviously, but we all know what is happening day by day, hour by hour.”

It’s all part of ensuring Town are on the right tracks for future success both on and off the pitch and Hoyle is positive.

“We are in great shape and moving forward,” he added.

“If we are fortunate enough to do the job against Peterborough, the team we have now is in a fantastic position to drive on.

“You just have to look at the ones who were promoted

■ SHEER DELIGHT: Hoyle celebrates reaching Old Trafford with Lee Clark, Peter Clarke and the squad

Lee knows I want a team with desire and the team he has assembled has shown nothing less than what I want

last season (Norwich City, Leeds United and play-off winners Millwall). With a few tweaks, look how well they have performed.

“We are unbeaten in 27 matches and if we can add another, there is no reason why we can’t carry that on in the higher division and perform admirably.

“The players want to stay together because they love Huddersfield Town, they love the fans and they love the atmosphere around the place.

“When people like Gary Roberts and Lee Peltier say they’ve never heard anything like it when we played Bournemouth at the Galpharm last week, then you know it must have been good.

“And when you add on top of that the fact Lee Clark said it was the best atmosphere ever – and he’s played for Newcastle and Sunderland – and that the place was absolutely rocking, then it’s unbelievable.”

Suits us, Dean!

DEAN HOYLE will be keeping faith with his lucky suit at Old Trafford tomorrow.

The Town chairman and owner has worn the same attire for matches since their 27-match unbeaten league run started back at New Year.

And with the League I play-off final against Peterborough now just hours away, Hoyle has no plans to ‘smarten up’ for the big day.

He explained: “I am massively superstitious.

“Last year we went to Millwall by coach, this year I’m going by car with Nigel Clibbens.

“I have the same suit that I’ve worn from about the start of the year – the one that was covered in champagne after the Bournemouth second leg – the same brown shoes with scuffs on the toes, the same shirt and the same tie.

“Mel Booth from the Examiner wanted to interview me about the match, but I wouldn’t because we’d done that last year, before the Millwall second leg, and lost.

“It’s just part of being massively superstitious and Lee Clark is the same. He’s been wearing the same training gear and what have you in the build-up, so we’ll carry on.”

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PETERBOROUGH UTD

League One Play-off FINAL 5

FOR CLARK Whatever happens, future looks bright BUOYANT Dean Hoyle insists Town are building stability for the future.

The chairman, like the rest of the club’s 30,000-plus fans, is desperate to see Lee Clark’s side clinch promotion in tomorrow’s League I play-off final against Peterborough at Old Trafford.

Whatever happens, however, he is confident Town are on the right road to a productive and successful spell and is not only proud of what the club have achieved so far, but believes fully in what the coming years can hold.

“We are building stability for the future, that’s what it’s all about,” said the owner and lifelong fan.

“Hopefully the share issue (at the stadium) is coming to a conclusion, we’ve purchased a training ground for the first time in the club’s history and we’ve put together a fantastic run on the pitch to reach the play-off final.

“The training ground is a huge step. The stadium is great, but our footballers see it once every 14 days if they are lucky, so to have our own base is about putting things in place for the future.

“We have brought in some quality players, the squad is looking good, and we are trying to have stability with Lee Clark as manager long term.

“We are trying to do things correctly on the football side and we are trying to do things correctly off the pitch with our charity fund-raising and by looking after the fans.”

Hoyle started a fund among business contacts enabling 800 under-privileged children to go to tomorrow’s final in a move which comes just weeks after the Pedal for Pounds Two bike ride to Brighton (pictured)

which raised £250,000 for the Keep It Up Campaign, providing valuable cash for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the club’s Academy.

“Dealing with our fans is the easy part for me because I am one of them,” added the man who sat in the John Smith’s Kilner Bank until stepping in to buy the club from Ken Davy.

“I know what they expect, I know how they need to be treated and it all comes naturally to me, because I am a fan.

“I knew what I wanted to hear when I was a fan – I wanted truth and transparency.

“We are on the verge of good things and let’s hope we can achieve the next step in this final. If not, let’s recognise we are in a good position to take things forward whatever happens.”

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6

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

League One Play-off FINAL

Club song can fill the arena FANS have been discussing all the best ways they can help Town achieve promotion at Old Trafford tomorrow.

With more than 30,000 Galpharm supporters making the trip to the League I play-off final, plans are already in place to out-shout those who travel up from Peterborough.

Contemporary anthems will no doubt echo around the Theatre of Dreams, and it’s hoped to raise the roof with a rendition of the old club song, Smile Awhile.

On-line fans, however, pointed out that many Town fans going to the game might not know the words, so we have printed them here to enable everyone to join in tomorrow.

SMILE AWHILE

■ SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT: Terriers fans will look back on the classic semi final second leg against

There’s a team that is dear to its followers, They play in the bright blue and white, They’re a team of renown, they’re the pride of the town, And the game of football is their delight, So all the while upon the field of play, Thousands gladly cheer them on their way, Often you can hear them say, Who can beat the Town today?

Then the bells will ring so merrily, Every goal will be a memory, So Town play up and bring the cup, Back to Huddersfield.

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ERRY McDERMOTT believes Town’s players and fans should ‘Smile Awhile’ at Old Trafford tomorrow.

The vastly-experienced assistant manager, 59, feels Town have got their preparations spot on , striking the right balance between work and rest.

And he also feels the best approach against Peterborough is for the players – in the spirit of the old club song – to play with a smile on their faces while supporters belt out the words which have spanned an illustrious blue and white history.

Town are treating it like a normal match, they’ve done nothing different apart from have a few days at the Belfry because of the 10-day span between semi-final and showpiece, and they will travel to Manchester tomorrow morning rather than staying over in a hotel.

There are no big-match suits, either, as Town look to their final match of the season in terms of business as usual.

“We’ve played 61 matches this season, more than any other club in the country, so the lads have had plenty of training,”

Coach Terry calls for sunshine soccer

said McDermott. “There’s been a long time between the semi-final and now and we wanted to keep the group together, so we went down to the Belfry and did a bit of paint-balling, clay pigeon shooting and golfing and then came back to the training ground.

“We have done our work but we have also rested them up, because that’s part and parcel of our build-up as well – and we think we’ve done it right.”

McDermott says helping Town earn promotion would rank high among his achievements, no mean feat for someone who has won three European Cups, a UEFA Cup and six English titles.

“It would be very, very, very high up my list of achievements if we were to go up,” he said.

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would mean to everyone concerned. “It’s not just the players and the staff, but the people in the office and the fans.

“They’ve been through some hard times over quite a few years, they’ve been through an administration and things like that, and it’s been a roller coaster.

“Lee (Clark) came here two and a half years ago and it’s pretty much been going in one direction since, and that’s up.

“When we arrived it wasn’t. But we have a chairman (Dean Hoyle) who cares about the club because he is a fan, he has been prepared to back Lee and if anyone deserves success it’s him.

“The final is not really about us in the backroom, though, because we can’t go out there and play.

“It’s about the XI who start the game

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PETERBOROUGH UTD

League One Play-off FINAL 7

Back of the net!

Bournemouth ... and smile awhile

us all smile!

and the seven we’ve got on the bench. They are all-important to us because they can go out there and win the match, and that’s what we want them to do.

“We’ll tell them to go out and enjoy their football and to have no fear in their eyes. If you show fear, then your opponent will exploit it, so the best way is to have no fear and to go and play your game.

“It’s a final and it can be a great occasion, but we all know we’ve won nothing yet and there is still a job to do against Peterborough.

“We finished 16 points ahead of Bournemouth and eight ahead of Peterborough, so we deserve to be in the final.

In most years 87 points would be enough for automatic promotion, but this year it isn’t. I believe we deserve to go up and, hopefully, we can go out there at Old Trafford and prove it.”

McDermott knows Town will get wonderful backing from their 30,000-plus following in the Stretford End. “I was at Newcastle when we won promotion to the Premier League and the semi-final home leg against Bournemouth equalled that,” he said, revealing the starting XI won’t be decided until late.

“It was so pleasing for everyone concerned and

the 17,000 who came along made an unbelievable racket. People in football who I have spoken to have said it was up among the best games they’ve seen in a long time.

“Bournemouth must be commended for that because it takes two to make a great game, but as I’ve said, I believe we deserve to go up and hopefully we can prove that.

“It’s important the players concentrate on the game. It’s a normal game, XI v XI, and there will be plenty of noise like last Wednesday’s semi-final, just with a few more of our fans there helping us along.

“The bigger crowd is the only difference and we are used to that, but the fans can’t go out and kick the ball, head the ball, win tackles or score a goal – that’s up to the players.

“If they go about it like they did last Wednesday, with the players we’ve got, then we’ve got to be confident.

We want the players to be confident and to enjoy their football. Perform with a smile.”

EXAMINER website boss Andrew Jackson is running a liveblog tomorrow from 2pm until after the final whistle and wants your help.

If you’re going to Old Trafford and use Twitter or Facebook on your phone, send him a message with your thoughts to our Huddersfield Town Twitter account @examinerHTAFC or Huddersfield Examiner on Facebook.

We also want fans to send pictures of their trips to Old Trafford, pre-match shots, group shots of fans, celebrations and anything else which takes your fancy.

Drop us a message on Twitter and Facebook or email digital@examiner.co.uk with your social networking username.

We’ll could use your comments and pictures on line and in the Examiner

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8

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

League One Play-off FINAL

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PETERBOROUGH UTD

League One Play-off FINAL 9

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

10 League One Play-off FINAL

Boom Boom out to third time lucky in Belief ingrained in us: Jamie

J

AMIE McCOMBE is hoping to make it third time lucky.

■ 2005 DEFEAT: Goalscorers Duncan Jupp (left) and Freddy Eastwood celebrate after Southend United took the Coca-Cola League II play-off final against McCombe’s Lincoln City in Cardiff

■ 2008 DEFEAT: Huddersfield-born Hull man Fraizer Campbell holds off Bristol City's Marvin Elliott in the Championship play-off final at Wembley which again ended in defeat for McCombe

The towering Town central defender is looking forward to the third play-off final of his career and is determined to collect his first winners’ medal.

The 28-year-old stopper – whose ‘Boom Boom’ nickname is chanted whenever he’s in the action – has been in excellent form this season and played his part as a substitute in a thrilling semi-final victory over Bournemouth.

McCombe, who was watched by brother John as Town secured a 4-2 penalty shoot-out success after the 4-4 aggregate draw against The Cherries, is actually involved in his sixth play-off campaign.

Part of the Lincoln City team which lost to Town in the 2004 semi-finals, he played in the Millennium Stadium final the following year when Southend defeated them 2-0, and then he suffered the agony of defeat again in 2008 when Bristol City went down to Dean Windass’s volley for Hull City at Wembley when a place in the Premier League was at stake.

“I am definitely looking to make it third time lucky,” said the

By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk

Pontefract-born player who began his career at Scunthorpe United.

“It would be nice to play, obviously, but if I’m not in the starting line-up (Antony Kay has returned alongside skipper Peter Clarke at the back) then it would be nice to get on, play my part and maybe stick a goal in for us!

“The lads know it will be a test against Peterborough, no-one will be taking it lightly and everyone will be giving it their all.

“All through the second half of the season, though, the lads have produced the goods and we’ve put together a great run.

“That belief has been ingrained in us and the attitude is that we never know when we are beaten. We never feel out of games, as we have shown many times this year, and it’s not just a credit to the lads, it’s a credit to everyone involved.

“It’s like the gaffer said at the beginning of the season, he wanted to blend youth and experience in his squad and it has paid off.

“We have some players with a lot of international experience and caps to

■ BIG SIGNING: Jamie McCombe with Lee Clark

their names and it gives a balance to the team, because they can steady the nerves of the other lads and the raw talent that we have got can shine through.”

McCombe believes the squad are primed to reward manager Lee Clark and the fans with a place in the Championship next season – when the opposition would include West Ham, Blackpool and Birmingham City in addition to derby rivals Leeds United – and his reasons are simple.

“It was fantastic to get through such a nerve-wracking semi-final because it showed the spirit and character that we’ve got in the squad – we will always fight right to the death,” he explained.

“We had our chances to win the game, but in the end the lads held their nerve to take some great penalties.

“We’ve done it time and time again this season – won tight games which have been real battles – and it’s testament to the boys and our never-say-die attitude.

“There were times against Bournemouth when we had to really dig in, you have to expect that, but it just shows what it all means to everyone that we came through.

“And the atmosphere was fantastic. I wish we could have that every week at the Galpharm!

“The supporters made such a difference and it can be the same at Old Trafford – they really can be our 12th man.”

McCombe says Town were well prepared for the shoot-out and will be again come Sunday.

“Some people don’t like practising penalties because they think it’s tempting fate, but we practised during the week before the Bournemouth game to be as prepared as we could be and the lads were good enough to see it through with some terrific strikes,” he added.

“Ian Bennett has also got a good track record of saving penalties, as he showed in the first leg at Dean Court, and we were all very confident going into the shoot-out.

“When you’ve got as many experienced players as we have, though – people who have played in big games

PETERBOROUGH UTD

League One Play-off FINAL 11

make it play- offs

■ FLYING HIGH: Jamie in Galpharm action during that unforgettable, rollercoaster play-off second leg win over Bournemouth with big crowds – situations like that are not going to bother them and it filters through to the other lads.

“That stood us in good stead and to be in the final is fantastic.

“We are very happy to be going to Old Trafford, but we all know we’ve only done half a job.

“It’s going to be tough, but we know we’ve got to win to go up and it’s all to play for.”

JAMIE McCOMBE Born: Pontefract Age 28 Position: Centre-back Clubs: Scunthorpe (2001-04), Halifax Town (loan, 2003-04), Lincoln City (2003-06), Bristol City (2006-10), Town (2010 to date).

Status: Married to Emma. Baby daughter Esme. His brother John played for Town and is now at Port Vale.

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I want a winners medal now

DANNY WARD is hoping for a different outcome when he goes into his second play-off final in 12 months tomorrow.

The 19-year-old loan striker from Bolton Wanderers was part of Swindon’s beaten side in last year’s League I decider against Millwall.

He admits it was a very bitter disappointment, but one which will drive him on to help produce a victory for Town against Peterborough at Old Trafford.

“We are all really looking forward to it and we deserve this chance,” said Ward, who scored in the semi-final second leg against Bournemouth at the Galpharm and then netted a penalty in the shoot-out success.

“What happened in the final last year was a bitter disappointment to me, but hopefully I can put that right now and we can be promoted to the Championship.

“I think all the lads are in a confident mood because we are on a great run, but we won’t be complacent or get overawed by the whole occasion.

“We will focus on the game against Peterborough and make sure we are prepared mentally and physically.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play at Old Trafford, so this is great and, like I said before, I am really looking forward to it.”

Ward scored nine times in 31 games for Swindon last season and has three in seven for Town.

“We’ve got a fantastic squad, the coaching staff have always believed in us and the fans have been brilliant all season,” he added.

“As a squad we never give up, we always fight to the end, and you can be sure we will all be giving it 110% in the final.

“If we can win it, it will be the best moment of my career by a long way, there’s no doubt.”

Tel: 01484 430 001 Mob: 07775 422179 www.spccars.co.uk 47a Colne Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 3AY

12 League One Play-off FINAL

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

Gunner miss you!

Benik’s final Town game but he’ll always be grateful to his friends in the North

Y

OU can take the man out of Huddersfield – but Town will always be a part of Benik Afobe.

The 18-year-old on-loan strike star has big ambitions of success with Arsenal.

But whatever happens in the future, the hugely likeable Londoner will always remember his friends in the North.

“My time here has been fantastic, and I’d love to play my part in a play-off final win,” said Afobe, who will join up with England Under 19s for their European Championship qualifiers in Switzerland straight after tomorrow’s big match.

“I’ve gained an unbelievable amount of first-team experience for someone of my age, and I learn new things every day from the manager and the coaching staff, but it’s been about more than football.

“Coming here means I’ve had to fend for myself and make new friends, and I think I’ve developed into more of a man.

“Mind you, the people at the club and in the town have been fantastic, and they’ve made it easy for me.

“The staff and players have welcomed me since day one, and they’ve all invited me to spend time with them and their friends and families.

“And the supporters have been superb.

Down in Dagenham, where I live, nobody gives me a second glance, but up here people stop me when I’m shopping and want to talk about Town.

“There’s huge support for the club, and it brings home to you just how much people want us to succeed.

“It’s great to be a part of it, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s been highlight after highlight ever since I’ve been here.”

Afobe arrived in West Yorkshire in November, making his debut from the bench in the memorable 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, after Town boss Lee Clark persuaded Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger (inset) that the Galpharm would be a great place for his development.

Clark had long been tracking the childhood West Ham supporter, who signed for Arsenal at six and played for their Under 16s as a 13-year-old.

His Gunners Under 18 debut

By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk

came in 2008, when he also helped England Under 16s triumph in the Victory Shield tournament, when he matched Michael Owen’s record of four goals over the three games.

Afobe made his debut for Arsenal reserves at 16 years and four days, beating the record of Jack Wilshere.

And after being linked with the mighty Barcelona, he helped Arsenal win last season’s FA Premier Academy League title and England triumph in the European Under 17 Championships in Liechtenstein.

With him every step of the way have been his parents, with dad Ange, who fled war-torn Congo in 1990 and settled in England, a familiar sight at Town matches.

“They’ve been brilliant, always spurring me on, and my dad has only missed a handful of matches in my entire career,” explained Afobe, who has a brother and two sisters.

“They have always been there for me. Mum can’t resist doing a bit of cooking and cleaning when she comes to visit me in Huddersfield – although I have to say I’m pretty tidy and I make a mean Spaghetti Bolognese! – and my dad doesn’t hold back when it comes to giving me advice!”

After early interruptions due to Arsenal recalls and injury, Afobe has become increasingly influential for Town, starting the last 10 games (taking his total appearances to 34) and reaching eight goals, including a double in last month’s 3-2 win at champions Brighton.

“When I first signed, I thought I’d only be here for a month, so to be preparing for a cup final at a place like Old Trafford is amazing,” he added.

“Beating Bournemouth in the play-off semi-finals was definitely my career highlight so far, but hopefully there’s another to come against Peterborough.

“Bournemouth were really tough opponents, and we know we can expect more of the same from Peterborough, because they’re a very good side.

“But we’re a very good side as well, we’ve prepared really well, and we’re going there fully focused on winning promotion.”

BENIK AFOBE Born: London Age 18 Position: Striker Clubs: Arsenal

PETERBOROUGH UTD

By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk

D

ANNY CADAMARTERI likes to drink his coffee out of a clear glass in the style of the Italians and sing Scottish lullabies to his kids.

But when it comes to football, home is where the heart is as far as the 31-year-old from Cleckheaton is concerned.

Back at Town for a second spell after 18 months North of the border with Dundee United, the striker is desperate to play his part in what would be the first promotion of his career.

“I’m getting on a bit now, so it’s hard to recall those early days, but I’m pretty sure I haven’t played in a promotion team!” said the man who burst onto the top-flight scene with Everton as a 17-year-old and had the pleasure of netting in a Merseyside derby.

He’s shown he still has the goalden touch by three times coming off the bench to slot home key strikes – at Exeter, on his second Town debut, Bournemouth and MK Dons.

And he’s more than happy to play the role of impact substitute if that’s what manager Lee Clark requires.

“Lots of people say you shouldn’t go back to old stomping grounds, but I’ve been fortunate to get the chance to come back here when the club is flying high,” said the bubbly star.

Cads, one of a select handful to have played for West Yorkshire’s three League clubs Town, Bradford and Leeds, made 50 appearances, scoring five goals, in his first Galpharm stint, between 2007 and 2009.

“The reason I left for Dundee was because it offered me a chance to play in big matches and the Europa League, which was fantastic,” added the player who has also worn the colours of Sheffield United and Leicester as well as having loan spells at Fulham and Doncaster.

“I enjoyed both the different challenge and the lifestyle in Scotland, but we all missed Yorkshire.

“When the chance to return here came along, I didn’t have to think twice, and it’s been a really enjoyable few months.

“The run we’ve been on is unbelievable really, and it shows just how far the club and the squad have come since I was first here.

“We’ve got all the ingredients – talent, youth, experience and energy – and while we’ve lost key players like Damien Johnson and Anthony Pilkington, we’ve been able to adapt.

“We can cope with those absences, and also alter our

League One Play-off FINAL 13

Coffee-loving Cads so keen to cement first promotion

I’LL RAISE A GLASS TO GOING UP!

■ OH DANNY BOY: Cadamarteri is congratulated by Benik Afobe and Antony Kay after scoring one of his goals formation to suit the match we’re playing in, and full marks to the lads for taking all that on board.

“While coming back has been great for me personally, hopefully I’ve added something to both the team and the dressing room.

“And it’s great to have got a few goals. The lads say I’m lucky, but I say it’s about being in the right place at the right time!”

Cads, who won both England Under 18 and Under 21 caps while at Everton, is hoping to equal his 14 outings for Dundee United this season with one

more for Town tomorrow and added: “We’ve worked hard to get to this game, and we can’t wait for it to happen.

“When we were pushing for automatic promotion, every game was like a cup final, so really, this one is the norm!

“We go into it on a great run and with a winning mentality, and we all believe we can win and get the promotion we all crave.”

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Fans may be in for a thriller ON a hugely impressive unbeaten run stretching back 27 matches in the league, Town have been scoring for fun of late.

They have hardly been water tight at the other end, however, while Peterborough’s 46 league games produced an incredible 181 goals – so fans could be in for a thriller.

The Terriers’ form means they are slight favourites in the match betting at 2.5 (6/4) with Betdaq, while Paddy Power make Lee Clark’s men odds-on at 8/11 to go up.

Posh, meanwhile, are rated at 15/8 by Ladbrokes to emerge triumphant in 90 minutes, Stan James price Darren Ferguson’s men at evens to go up and it’s 5/2 courtesy of Victor Chandler for the teams to be inseparable at the end of normal time.

Punters fancying the latter can tackle Totesport’s 11/1 for Town to prevail via the drama of a penalty shoot-out or, alternatively, Betfred’s 14/1 for the clash to finish 2-2, as a high-scoring affair looks on the cards given the scoring records of the two sides.

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HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

14 League One Play-off FINAL

The mighty Terriers

IAN BENNETT

NICK COLGAN

LEE PELTIER

JACK HUNT

GARY NAYSMITH

ANTONY KAY

Goalkeeper, 38

Goalkeeper, 37

Defender, 24

Defender, 20

Defender, 32

Defender, 28

HAS been in outstanding form for Town this season, helping them create an unbeaten league run of 27 matches.

The ex-Peterborough man starred in the play-off semi-final shoot-out against Bournemouth and has signed a new one-year deal.

BACK-UP for Ian Bennett, the much-travelled stopper won the League I play-offs with Barnsley back in 2006.

The former Republic of Ireland man who has also played for Chelsea, Hibs and Grimsby shone in his sole Town appearance, against Carlisle in the JPT.

THE right-back who can also do a solid job in midfield played Champions League football for his first club Liverpool.

The ex-England youth player came to prominence after a move to Yeovil and has been a fixture for Town since signing in 2009.

BENEFITED hugely from a loan spell with League II champions Chesterfield, returning in January to make his mark for Town.

He made a memorable full debut at Arsenal in the FA Cup and got his first career goal against Peterborough back in April.

THE experienced Scotland star is back from injury and has yet to taste defeat in a league game for Town.

Edinburgh-born, he was a Scottish Cup winner with Hearts before playing for Everton, then Sheffield United, from whom he joined Town last summer.

LIKE Nick Colgan, he was a League I play-off winner with first club Barnsley five years ago.

Mobile and strong in the air, the former Tranmere man was signed as a midfielder in 2009 but has often reverted to his original position of centre-back.

PETER CLARKE

GARY ROBERTS

SCOTT ARFIELD

JOEY GUDJONSSON

JORDAN RHODES

JAMIE McCOMBE

Defender, 29

Winger, 27

Midfield, 22

Midfield, 31

Striker, 21

Defender, 28

THE club captain has had a tremendous season and has now put pen to paper on a long-term deal to 2015 at the club.

The former Everton, Blackpool and Southend United defender has become a huge favourite at the Galpharm Stadium.

POPULAR member of the squad who has netted 12 goals this season in his 49 appearances for the club.

Signed from Ipswich, he has now played 125 League matches for the Galpharm club and is one of the most dangerous players in the division.

ENERGETIC contributor who was signed from Falkirk last summer and has netted six times in a total of 52 appearances this term.

A Scottish Under 21 international who has been on the verge of the senior squad, he is versatile enough to play at the back if needed.

AN Icelandic international who has brought his experience to bear since signing from Burnley.

Celebrated his 31st birthday three days ago and will be hoping for an Old Trafford celebration.

Strikes a mean free-kick, just ask Charlton Athletic!

LEADING scorer with 22 goals from 47 appearances this season and one of the most highly-rated young players in League I. Is on the radar of the Scotland Under 21 side – he went to school in Scotland while his father, Andy, played there.

PLAYING in his sixth set of play-off matches and his third final, having previously featured with Lincoln City and Bristol City.

Has been in terrific form in the latter part of the season and has six goals to his credit to this season, showing his set-piece ability.

ALAN LEE

LEE NOVAK

BENIK AFOBE

KEVIN KILBANE

DANNY WARD

DANNY CADAMARTERI

Striker, 32

Striker, 22

Striker, 18

Midfield, 34

Striker, 19

Striker, 31

MUCH travelled and respected, the Republic of Ireland international provided one of the highlights of the season when he equalised against Arsenal in the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium.

His experience around the squad has been invaluable since he joined from Palace.

AN astute signing from non-league Gateshead, he has become one of the most popular players in Lee Clark’s squad because of his non-stop workrate for the team.

Has five goals this season and 19 in total from 46 starts and 38 sub appearances.

TALENTED loan man from Arsenal whose form has earned him a call-up to the England Under 19 squad.

He will travel out to Switzerland to join up with Noel Blake’s squad straight after tomorrow’s final.

Has eight goals in Town colours this term.

RECORD caps holder for the Republic of Ireland and still in the senior squad, he will be linking up with them for a European qualifier straight after tomorrow’s final.

Has made a massive impact since joining on loan from Hull City and has said he would like to stay.

THE loanee from Bolton goes into the play-off final in hot form, having netted in the semi-final victory over Bournemouth and also scored in the shoot-out.

Lively, skilful and with a fierce shot, he’ll want to make up for his loss in the final last season.

IN his second spell with the club, he’s one of the real characters in the game and also a valuable asset with his strength and pace.

A Scottish Cup winner last season with Dundee United, Cads is determined to finish this season with another winners’ medal.

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PETERBOROUGH UTD

League One Play-off FINAL 15

The Posh boys PAUL JONES

MARK LITTLE

CHARLIE LEE

GABY ZAKUANI

RYAN BENNETT

GRANT McCANN

Goalkeeper, 24

Right-back, 22

Left-back, 24

Centre-back, 24

Centre-back, 21

Midfield, 31

ON loan from Exeter City and thrown into the play-off spotlight when replacing the injured Joe Lewis in the semi-final against MK Dons.

Let in three goals in quick time but redeemed himself with a clean sheet in the second leg at London Road to help Posh through.

THE former Wolves defender has pace as a massive asset, but he can be caught out of position and he's weak aerially.

He has been watched, however, by a number of Premiership clubs, including Everton. He is a fan of the Goodison Park club.

PLAYED his best football this season in midfield. Hasn't looked at all happy at left-back, probably because he prefers his right foot.

Began his career at Tottenham and has been at London Road for four years, making over 150 appearances for the club.

IMMENSE in the second half of the season. Not comfortable on the ball, but there can't be a braver defender in the division.

Has been suffering from a shoulder injury which forced him off in the semi-final second leg against MK Dons and which remains a risk.

HAS looked like a £700,000 player for most of the season. Cool, composed and he's toughened up.

An England Under 18 cap who played against Austria, he was signed from Grimsby Town in 2009 after an impressive string of games at Blundell Park.

THE Northern Ireland international has a brilliant range of passing and is a set-piece expert.

Starts most of the Posh attacks and is definitely a threat to look out for.

Was previously with Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Cheltenham.

JAMES WESOLOWSKI

TOMMY ROWE

GEORGE BOYD

LEE TOMLIN

BARRY RICHARDSON

Midfield, 23

Winger, 22

Striker, 25

Winger, 22

CRAIG MACKAIL-SMITH

THE Australian import is the unsung worker of the Peterborough midfield.

A big battler with a big heart, he loves a tackle and will get about the pitch.

Previously at Leicester, he had loan spells with Cheltenham, Dundee United and Hamilton.

HE has revelled in the midfield diamond thanks to bundles of energy, a good touch and he is capable of scoring crucial goals.

From Wythenshawe, he had two years with Stockport County before signing for the Posh, where he has become a fixture in the side.

Been in and out of form during the season, but remains a quality player with massive goal potential at his best.

The Chatham-born frontman began his career with Stevenage Borough, after playing youth football for Charlton Athletic.

MADE a massive impact in his first season in the Football League.

Great touch, good vision, powerful shot, but needs to rein in his temper at times on the pitch.

Has eight goals in 37 games since joining from Rushden and Diamonds.

KELVIN LANGMEAD

ARRON DAVIES

DAVID BALL

Defender, 26

Midfield, 26

Striker, 21

NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING

HAVING started out at Preston North End, he became a regular over a six-year period with Shrewsbury Town.

Played well over 200 matches for the club before being signed at London Road in 2010. Has two goals in 15 appearances so far.

Joined Posh on a free transfer in the summer of 2010 after spells with Yeovil and Nottingham Forest.

The Welshman can play in either of the wide positions or as a central striker if needed as an option.

A regular on the substitutes’ bench this term.

PLAYED on loan with Swindon last season before deciding to leave Manchester City for London Road.

Was a member of the Manchester City team which won the FA Youth Cup in 2008.

Became a regular scorer in the Premier reserve league.

HAS played this season on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and has netted five goals in 33 appearances.

Born in Birmingham, he has played for the England age-group sides and he will be desperate to get into the action tomorrow.

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Winger, 19

• • • • •

Striker, 27

Goalkeeper, 41

ONE of the undoubted star players of League I this season.

Great player with a terrific attitude, finishes well, quick, strong, much-improved in the air.

A new Scotland cap, he is on top form right now.

SIGNED in February last year as both player and goalkeeping coach, he has vast experience over a 23-year career.

Became a regular and played most of his senior matches for Lincoln City and then Northampton Town.

Well respected in the game.

CHRIS WHELPDALE

GRANT BASEY

Midfield, 24

Left-back, 22

Played non-league for Maldon Town and Billericay Town before signing pro for Peterborough in 2007.

Had a loan spell at Gillingham last year, playing four matches, but he has been a solid contributor for Posh and has 118 games under his belt (12 goals).

HAS made 22 appearances this season for Barnet and Posh, netting two goals.

Signed from Barnet on a free in January and made his debut for the London Road club in a 2-0 win at Yeovil at the beginning of February, when he got his name on the scoresheet.

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16-page special play-off supplement SMITHIES – Page s 2-3 FANS – Pa ges 4-5

Monday, May 23 , 2011

SAFE & SOUND TOP FLIGHT – Pag es

Smithies tonic s TIoSwn star t TcaH oN unD Y t d o A w n to O M play-off final

By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor

mel.booth@exam iner.co.uk

ALEX SMITHIES hopes that when has high the squad for he rejoins training, buoyanpre-season be celebrating t Town will to the Champio their return nship

The 21-year-o been ruled out ofld stopper has the majority of Town’s run-in and matches against Bo the play-off urnemouth and Peterborough.

He will watch Trafford final as a Sunday’s Old ies promised: “Wfan, and Smithsomething very spee are part of squad, and I’m cial here as a Town fan as wel a Huddersfield l, so if we go up that’s all that matter “Even though thes. re has been no game time for like to think I’veme recently, I’d pla yed some part in us getting to this point, hav ing bee n inv olv ed in 20-odd games, and we just want to see it thr oug h to the end and reach the Championship.

“I’m very disapp out on the play-o ointed to miss sonal point of viewffs from a perreason why I sho , but there’s no back and ready for uldn’t be fully build-up. I am fit our pre-season again now.” l Full story Page s2&3

- it The electrical sales an ’s a team thing to give you wha d t l

10-11

INCLUDES

n ALEX SMITH been working hisIES: he has fitness and will beway back to pre-season, hop ready for Championship efully in the

● Match report ● Andy Booth column ● Town crier ● Big name interviews ● Lots of pix

All the action, all the photos, all the interviews from Huddersfield Town’s biggest game for years