BIG-NAME INTERVIEWS
season 2009-2010
INSIDE
TOWN
PLUS Glossy fixtures poster
LET’S DO IT!
■ ADDED STRENGTH: Lee Clark (front) with new-season signings, from left: Robbie Simpson, Theo Robinson, Lee Novak, Antony Kay, Peter Clarke and Lee Peltier.
L
EE CLARK is a driven young manager with just one aim this season – winning!
The 36-year-old has had his football philosophy fashioned by the likes of Kevin Keegan and Jean Tigana after a successful playing career in the top divisions, and he loves to promote a fast, attacking style of play. In his eight months at the Galpharm he has maintained that ethos and has worked
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Clark: This squad will prove they’re WINNERS! constantly to bring it into every element of the club – not only through his trusted staff but in the youth and quality of the signings he has made. Now, with a new-look squad itching to do battle at League I level, Clark is excited about the prospects of making his football beliefs
produce the goods for some bumper crowds at the Galpharm. “I want us to be an entertaining team, to pass the ball, be inventive and to play without fear, but most of all I want us to win,” said Clark, who has appointed new signing from Southend, Peter Clarke, as his captain.
“If we can win by adopting those thoughts and ideas I’ve given to the squad then so much the better, but the be all and end all is winning games. “Sometimes you have to win when you’re not
Turn to Page 2
Page 2
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
■ VITAL PERIOD: Andy Butler.
Butler: We are fitter and better prepared
ANDY BUTLER has had a memorable summer and intends to make this Town season just as enjoyable. The 25-year-old married fiancee Caroline in Gretna Green during the close-season – all the family, including their 11-month-old son Ashton, were there – and the whole event has put him in a great frame of mind to tackle Town’s campaign. Strong and reliable, former Scunthorpe centre-back Butler has impressed in Town’s pre-season games and now looks favourite to partner new skipper Peter Clarke in the League I opener at Southend on Saturday. Butler would be delighted to get the nod, and he reckons Town are fitter, stronger and better prepared to challenge for promotion in 2009-10. “It’s time for us to deliver,” said Butler, who joined the club a year ago under then-manager Stan Ternent. “There are some big teams in our division this year and we are one of them, so we are looking for automatic promotion and, if that doesn’t happen, the play-offs at the very least. Butler pinpoints the first month as crucial. He said: “Last year we got off to an awful start and, later in the season when we were so close to the play-off positions, you looked back at that early record and wondered ‘what if?’. “If we’d had as good a beginning to the season as we had during the run-in, when our away form really came together, then we might well have made the play-offs. “A good start this time would really give us some momentum, everyone can enjoy things and relax and then that enables you to play your best football. “Winning becomes a habit, so it’s important we make a good start and then continue to do the business from Saturday onwards.”
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Page 3
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
WE NEED A SOLID START Novak: I am ready to fight for my place
■ READY FOR THE CHALLENGE: Lee Novak, left, sports a reminder of his meeting with Newcastle’s burly Argentinian defender Fabricio Coloccini. ■ TOP TEAM: Clark with Derek Fazackerley, left, and Steve Black.
Turned from Page 1 playing so well by digging in and by all 11 out there on the pitching fighting for each other. “If you play good passing football and entertaining football most of the time that will be good enough to win you matches, but if we have to dig in we are not short of 100% players. “As a group they are fantastic – every one of them to a man. “Anything I ask of them and anything my staff ask of them, they try to do it to the best of their ability – and there is no question about their commitment to the cause.” Clark has been delighted to have new arrivals Clarke, Theo Robinson, Robbie Simpson, Antony Kay, Lee Peltier and Lee Novak around for the bulk of pre-season training and he’s been pleased with what he’s seen in the warm-up matches as well. “Pre-season has gone well for us and been really productive,” explained Clark, who recently brought in another striker in Jordan Rhodes, from Ipswich. “The application and effort of all the players has been really good, and the games have given us the challenges that we wanted – so I’m very happy with how it’s gone. “Since I came to the club the work ethic has always been there among the squad, but I think our fitness levels have improved dramatically – so we can play at the tempo I want both with and without the ball – and I believe the quality of the playing roster has massively improved as well. “The players have all gelled well, right from the off, and it’s fair to say we are now itching to get into the ‘bread and butter’ of the season proper. “For us, that means four games in the first 11 days of the campaign and it’s vital we start well. “If you get off to a good start and put some points on the board then it tends to have a snowball effect and it takes you through to the winter period and the Christmas games.”
L
EE NOVAK is confident he can transfer his prolific non-league goalscoring form to the Coca-Cola ranks.
The 20-year-old made a blistering impact on Conference North last season, helping Gateshead win promotion and bagging 35 goals in all competitions. He picked up both the club and the league Player of the Year awards and has already shown the desire to make his step up at the Galpharm a massive success. He’s had six months to get used to the idea, of course, having signed for Lee Clark back in the January transfer window. But he didn’t let that professional contract become a distraction or a comfort zone as he continued to hammer in the goals for Ian Bogie’s Tyneside team. Joining Town for the first day of pre-season, Novak has smoothly eased himself through full-time training and, in the pre-season matches (mostly as a substitute), he has made a very favourable impression with his willingness to work and
By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
his obvious eye for a goalscoring opportunity. “I’m very confident I can step up and play my part for the club this season,” said Novak, a lifelong Newcastle United fan whose family are all season-ticket holders at St James’ Park. “There’s no point going into the season not being confident I can score goals, otherwise I’m defeated before I’ve even kicked a ball. “Last season went really, really well for me and gave me a lot of confidence, so I’ve just got to look to continue that form and carry on scoring goals. “To get 35 gave me a lot of belief and to pick up a few awards as well was a great bonus, so I’m aiming to stay among the goals and take the chances when they come my way.” Novak accepts he’s got to battle to get in the team to start with as competition among the frontmen is fierce, and he is not setting any targets for the number of goals he’d like to finish with in his first season at professional level. “I’m certain that playing with better players will lead to me getting more chances and better chances, so I’m confident of finding the net my fair share of times,” said Novak. “The same thing happened when I stepped up to play at Gateshead (from Newcastle Blue Star) and that went really well, and I reckon I’ll get plenty of opportunities in front of goal with the squad we’ve got here. “It’s a really good quality squad and they’ve all made me feel really welcome since I came down here. They’ve helped me to settle in really well and feel comfortable, and I couldn’t have asked for much more with the way pre-season has gone for me.” Having tasted a decent Galpharm atmosphere
already against his Toon favourites, Novak is looking forward to playing in front of regular 12,000-plus crowds. “I know the fans will turn out in their thousands to watch us and I’m really looking forward to that,” he said. “It’s part of what makes being a footballer so special and it will be even better if we do as well as I think we can. “This is definitely not a League I squad in terms of quality, it’s much better than that, and if we all stick together I don’t see any reason why we can’t go up. “From my point of view I’m still learning all the time from the gaffer, the staff and all the players and it is my first professional deal, so I know there’s a lot of hard work ahead. “But I’m confident if I’m out there on the pitch that I can take my share of the chances that come my way and there’s already a good relationship between the strikers at the club. We’ve all played together as partners at different times and it’s gone well, so that’s an encouraging sign. “The whole squad have gelled together, in fact, and that’s why I’m optimistic we can do well this season.”
SUPPLIERS OF DULUX & CROWN PAINTS & DECORATING SUNDRIES Huddersfield Decorators Merchants Ltd RAY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, WEST YORKSHIRE, HD1 6BL
Telephone: 01484 427979
Fax: 01484 450219
Page 2
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
■ VITAL PERIOD: Andy Butler.
Butler: We are fitter and better prepared
ANDY BUTLER has had a memorable summer and intends to make this Town season just as enjoyable. The 25-year-old married fiancee Caroline in Gretna Green during the close-season – all the family, including their 11-month-old son Ashton, were there – and the whole event has put him in a great frame of mind to tackle Town’s campaign. Strong and reliable, former Scunthorpe centre-back Butler has impressed in Town’s pre-season games and now looks favourite to partner new skipper Peter Clarke in the League I opener at Southend on Saturday. Butler would be delighted to get the nod, and he reckons Town are fitter, stronger and better prepared to challenge for promotion in 2009-10. “It’s time for us to deliver,” said Butler, who joined the club a year ago under then-manager Stan Ternent. “There are some big teams in our division this year and we are one of them, so we are looking for automatic promotion and, if that doesn’t happen, the play-offs at the very least. Butler pinpoints the first month as crucial. He said: “Last year we got off to an awful start and, later in the season when we were so close to the play-off positions, you looked back at that early record and wondered ‘what if?’. “If we’d had as good a beginning to the season as we had during the run-in, when our away form really came together, then we might well have made the play-offs. “A good start this time would really give us some momentum, everyone can enjoy things and relax and then that enables you to play your best football. “Winning becomes a habit, so it’s important we make a good start and then continue to do the business from Saturday onwards.”
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Page 3
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
WE NEED A SOLID START Novak: I am ready to fight for my place
■ READY FOR THE CHALLENGE: Lee Novak, left, sports a reminder of his meeting with Newcastle’s burly Argentinian defender Fabricio Coloccini. ■ TOP TEAM: Clark with Derek Fazackerley, left, and Steve Black.
Turned from Page 1 playing so well by digging in and by all 11 out there on the pitching fighting for each other. “If you play good passing football and entertaining football most of the time that will be good enough to win you matches, but if we have to dig in we are not short of 100% players. “As a group they are fantastic – every one of them to a man. “Anything I ask of them and anything my staff ask of them, they try to do it to the best of their ability – and there is no question about their commitment to the cause.” Clark has been delighted to have new arrivals Clarke, Theo Robinson, Robbie Simpson, Antony Kay, Lee Peltier and Lee Novak around for the bulk of pre-season training and he’s been pleased with what he’s seen in the warm-up matches as well. “Pre-season has gone well for us and been really productive,” explained Clark, who recently brought in another striker in Jordan Rhodes, from Ipswich. “The application and effort of all the players has been really good, and the games have given us the challenges that we wanted – so I’m very happy with how it’s gone. “Since I came to the club the work ethic has always been there among the squad, but I think our fitness levels have improved dramatically – so we can play at the tempo I want both with and without the ball – and I believe the quality of the playing roster has massively improved as well. “The players have all gelled well, right from the off, and it’s fair to say we are now itching to get into the ‘bread and butter’ of the season proper. “For us, that means four games in the first 11 days of the campaign and it’s vital we start well. “If you get off to a good start and put some points on the board then it tends to have a snowball effect and it takes you through to the winter period and the Christmas games.”
L
EE NOVAK is confident he can transfer his prolific non-league goalscoring form to the Coca-Cola ranks.
The 20-year-old made a blistering impact on Conference North last season, helping Gateshead win promotion and bagging 35 goals in all competitions. He picked up both the club and the league Player of the Year awards and has already shown the desire to make his step up at the Galpharm a massive success. He’s had six months to get used to the idea, of course, having signed for Lee Clark back in the January transfer window. But he didn’t let that professional contract become a distraction or a comfort zone as he continued to hammer in the goals for Ian Bogie’s Tyneside team. Joining Town for the first day of pre-season, Novak has smoothly eased himself through full-time training and, in the pre-season matches (mostly as a substitute), he has made a very favourable impression with his willingness to work and
By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
his obvious eye for a goalscoring opportunity. “I’m very confident I can step up and play my part for the club this season,” said Novak, a lifelong Newcastle United fan whose family are all season-ticket holders at St James’ Park. “There’s no point going into the season not being confident I can score goals, otherwise I’m defeated before I’ve even kicked a ball. “Last season went really, really well for me and gave me a lot of confidence, so I’ve just got to look to continue that form and carry on scoring goals. “To get 35 gave me a lot of belief and to pick up a few awards as well was a great bonus, so I’m aiming to stay among the goals and take the chances when they come my way.” Novak accepts he’s got to battle to get in the team to start with as competition among the frontmen is fierce, and he is not setting any targets for the number of goals he’d like to finish with in his first season at professional level. “I’m certain that playing with better players will lead to me getting more chances and better chances, so I’m confident of finding the net my fair share of times,” said Novak. “The same thing happened when I stepped up to play at Gateshead (from Newcastle Blue Star) and that went really well, and I reckon I’ll get plenty of opportunities in front of goal with the squad we’ve got here. “It’s a really good quality squad and they’ve all made me feel really welcome since I came down here. They’ve helped me to settle in really well and feel comfortable, and I couldn’t have asked for much more with the way pre-season has gone for me.” Having tasted a decent Galpharm atmosphere
already against his Toon favourites, Novak is looking forward to playing in front of regular 12,000-plus crowds. “I know the fans will turn out in their thousands to watch us and I’m really looking forward to that,” he said. “It’s part of what makes being a footballer so special and it will be even better if we do as well as I think we can. “This is definitely not a League I squad in terms of quality, it’s much better than that, and if we all stick together I don’t see any reason why we can’t go up. “From my point of view I’m still learning all the time from the gaffer, the staff and all the players and it is my first professional deal, so I know there’s a lot of hard work ahead. “But I’m confident if I’m out there on the pitch that I can take my share of the chances that come my way and there’s already a good relationship between the strikers at the club. We’ve all played together as partners at different times and it’s gone well, so that’s an encouraging sign. “The whole squad have gelled together, in fact, and that’s why I’m optimistic we can do well this season.”
SUPPLIERS OF DULUX & CROWN PAINTS & DECORATING SUNDRIES Huddersfield Decorators Merchants Ltd RAY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, WEST YORKSHIRE, HD1 6BL
Telephone: 01484 427979
Fax: 01484 450219
Page 4
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
FULL PELT
‘This squad has a great chance of going up’
LEE PELTIER is in a hurry to succeed ... and Hull have shown the best route By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk
H
E’S caught the eye in the red of Liverpool and shone in the green and white of Yeovil.
But Lee Peltier says a short spell in amber and black was a key factor in his decision to join Town’s drive for the Championship under Lee Clark. Back at the business end of the 2006-07 season, the 22-year-old right-back played seven times on loan to Hull City. He helped them avoid relegation to League I, but is not surprised that they are now enjoying the high life in the Premier. “You could see the potential there,” explains the Liverpool-born player who emerged from the tough streets of Toxteth to join the Anfield ranks at the tender age of 10. “And it’s exactly the same at Huddersfield – a great stadium, passionate support and an ambitious chairman, and in Lee Clark, a manager who can take the club forward. “Hull have risen through the divisions and shown what can be achieved, and in my eyes, Huddersfield are just as big a club.” Peltier, who has signed three-year terms at Town, has his sights set on playing in top-flight football at some stage of his career, and would obviously like to have achieved that ambition at Liverpool. But the player who did manage a Champions League outing – in the fanatical Turkish hotbed that is Galatasaray – and three appearances in the League Cup (against Reading, Birmingham City and Arsenal) remains philosophical about his departure from Anfield and
ANTONY KAY feels confident doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk
A
NTONY KAY has some happy memories of playing against Town – now he wants to ensure he gets even more while playing for them.
AGE 22 HEIGHT 5’ 10” WEIGHT 12st APPS 88 (three of them as a sub) GOALS 1 FORMER CLUBS Liverpool, Hull (loan), Yeovil
■ HULL OF A CLUB: former Liverpool man Lee Peltier reckons Town have what it takes to follow the Humbersiders up the ladder.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT Playing in the Champions League determined to put the experience to good use. “I was there for 10 years all told, and I got a fantastic grounding,” says the man who has also played in midfield. “I got my education from Steve Heighway and Gary Ablett (now manager of Town’s League I rivals Stockport County) and later on from Rafa Benitez and his coaching staff, and it was brilliant. “You can’t ask for anything more in terms of learning the game. “I was a regular in the reserves, and I got my little stint in the first team (his games were all in 2006-07), which was fantastic, but then things dried up, and I became frustrated. “It’s all about playing regular football, and I realised I may have to
ANTONY KAY factfile
By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor
LEE PELTIER factfile
move on in order to achieve that.” Initially, Peltier’s move to Yeovil was on loan, and he made the first of 23 Glovers appearances while still a Liverpool player at the Galpharm on the opening day of the 2007-08 League I season, when Town won 1-0. His first game after making the move permanent by the agreement of a three-year contract was the return match at Huish Park in January, 2008, when Town won 2-0. “It wasn’t all bad at Yeovil,” he’s quick to point out. “I enjoyed myself down there and gained great experience, both in terms of football and life. “It’s a long way from my home and it
taught me to stand on my own two feet and look after myself.” Peltier played 77 times for Yeovil in all, taking his career tally of games to 88, and scored his only goal to date in the 3-2 win at Swindon Town last December. He was still under contract when Town’s interest emerged, but was half-expecting to leave Somerset this summer. “Myself and the management there spoke at the end of last season, and it became clear there was a good chance of me moving on,” he says. “They had plans to rebuild and I was keen to progress my career which with no disrespect intended to Yeovil, I
certainly think I’ve done by coming here. “My agent called me to say Huddersfield were interested, I had a chat with Lee Clark and was very happy with what he said to me. A couple of other clubs had shown an interest, but in reality, my mind was made up. “Like I said, I want to progress and I see Huddersfield as being a club I can progress with. The coaching in pre-season has been first-class, the players are great and I’ve got a good feeling about this season. “Season-ticket sales show the fans are expecting big things – and so are the players!”
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The 26-year-old midfielder became Galpharm manager Lee Clark’s first close-season capture when he signed a two-year contract at the end of May. The speed of the decision was a reflection of the talks held between the former Barnsley and Tranmere Rovers man, Clark and Town chairman Dean Hoyle. “Everything they had to say, about how they want to take the club forward and where they want to get to, impressed me,” says Kay, who was converted from a centre-back by Ronnie Moore at Tranmere, where he played 96 games and netted 19 goals over two seasons. “I’m still good mates with Robbie Williams from our time at Barnsley together, and he spoke very highly of the club as well. “This move didn’t take much selling – it’s a big club with a great stadium and great support, and it’s really good to be a part of things.” Kay was far from popular with the Galpharm faithful when he helped hometown club Barnsley overturn a first-leg deficit to dump Town in the 2005-06 League I play-off semi-finals. And he also played a major part in condemning Town to defeat at Prenton Park in March, when he netted twice in Tranmere’s 3-1 success. Rovers were on a roll at that stage, but the season ended in heartbreaking fashion when they missed out on a coveted top-six spot because of a last-day draw at Scunthorpe, who ended up winning promotion through the play-offs. “I’ve seen the good and bad of it, and it’s obvious which is the most enjoyable,” laughs Kay, who came through Barnsley’s youth system to play 197 times for the first team and chalk up 12 goals. “It was so frustrating to get so close to the
AGE 26 HEIGHT 5’ 11” WEIGHT 11st 8lb APPS 293 (26 of them as a sub) GOALS 31 FORMER CLUBS Barnsley, Tranmere Rovers CAREER HIGHLIGHT League I play-off success with Barnsley in 2006
play-offs only to miss out when Scunthorpe got a late equaliser, and it is something I’ve stewed over. “I also remember the play-offs with Barnsley very clearly. We were 1-0 down from the first leg at Oakwell, having not played that well, but we came over to the Galpharm and fought our way to a 3-1 win. “Then it was down to Cardiff for the final, when our game against Swansea went to penalties.” Kay netted the clinching spot kick, and continues: “It was a fantastic feeling to get promoted, still my best memory in football, and it was great to play in the Championship as well. “Getting back there is my aim, and with the squad the manager has assembled, I think we have a great chance. “Nobody is kidding themselves about what lies ahead, because there will be some strong sides in this division. “The three who have come down (Charlton, Norwich and Southampton) all have good players and those who have come up (Brentford, Exeter, Gillingham and
Wycombe) will have looked at Peterborough, who clinched successive promotions. “There are also plenty of strong sides already in the league, and Leeds, who are our main rivals, are always going to be a tough proposition.” Kay, who plans to sell his Warrington home and move back to Barnsley, says he’s been made more than welcome by the rest of the squad, and believes team spirit is going to be crucial to Town’s chances of success. “While I knew Robbie, I recognised most of the others through playing against them,” he says. “I soon felt at home, and I think the other new signings would say that as well. “You have to be together, both in the good times and the bad, and there are always some of those over the course of a season. “And when you look at our fixture list, there are an awful lot of long trips. That means we’ll have a few lengthy coach journeys and overnight stops, so it’s vital we all get on!” When it comes to quality, Kay has no doubt Town have what it takes. “You look around the place in training, and there are some many lads worthy of a place in the starting side,” he adds. “That means we’re all going to have to be on our toes all the way through, because no player can be guaranteed a place.”
■ SPECIAL KAY: ex-Barnsley and Tranmere player Antony aims to add some crunch to the Town midfield.
Page 5
Page 4
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
FULL PELT
‘This squad has a great chance of going up’
LEE PELTIER is in a hurry to succeed ... and Hull have shown the best route By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk
H
E’S caught the eye in the red of Liverpool and shone in the green and white of Yeovil.
But Lee Peltier says a short spell in amber and black was a key factor in his decision to join Town’s drive for the Championship under Lee Clark. Back at the business end of the 2006-07 season, the 22-year-old right-back played seven times on loan to Hull City. He helped them avoid relegation to League I, but is not surprised that they are now enjoying the high life in the Premier. “You could see the potential there,” explains the Liverpool-born player who emerged from the tough streets of Toxteth to join the Anfield ranks at the tender age of 10. “And it’s exactly the same at Huddersfield – a great stadium, passionate support and an ambitious chairman, and in Lee Clark, a manager who can take the club forward. “Hull have risen through the divisions and shown what can be achieved, and in my eyes, Huddersfield are just as big a club.” Peltier, who has signed three-year terms at Town, has his sights set on playing in top-flight football at some stage of his career, and would obviously like to have achieved that ambition at Liverpool. But the player who did manage a Champions League outing – in the fanatical Turkish hotbed that is Galatasaray – and three appearances in the League Cup (against Reading, Birmingham City and Arsenal) remains philosophical about his departure from Anfield and
ANTONY KAY feels confident doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk
A
NTONY KAY has some happy memories of playing against Town – now he wants to ensure he gets even more while playing for them.
AGE 22 HEIGHT 5’ 10” WEIGHT 12st APPS 88 (three of them as a sub) GOALS 1 FORMER CLUBS Liverpool, Hull (loan), Yeovil
■ HULL OF A CLUB: former Liverpool man Lee Peltier reckons Town have what it takes to follow the Humbersiders up the ladder.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT Playing in the Champions League determined to put the experience to good use. “I was there for 10 years all told, and I got a fantastic grounding,” says the man who has also played in midfield. “I got my education from Steve Heighway and Gary Ablett (now manager of Town’s League I rivals Stockport County) and later on from Rafa Benitez and his coaching staff, and it was brilliant. “You can’t ask for anything more in terms of learning the game. “I was a regular in the reserves, and I got my little stint in the first team (his games were all in 2006-07), which was fantastic, but then things dried up, and I became frustrated. “It’s all about playing regular football, and I realised I may have to
ANTONY KAY factfile
By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor
LEE PELTIER factfile
move on in order to achieve that.” Initially, Peltier’s move to Yeovil was on loan, and he made the first of 23 Glovers appearances while still a Liverpool player at the Galpharm on the opening day of the 2007-08 League I season, when Town won 1-0. His first game after making the move permanent by the agreement of a three-year contract was the return match at Huish Park in January, 2008, when Town won 2-0. “It wasn’t all bad at Yeovil,” he’s quick to point out. “I enjoyed myself down there and gained great experience, both in terms of football and life. “It’s a long way from my home and it
taught me to stand on my own two feet and look after myself.” Peltier played 77 times for Yeovil in all, taking his career tally of games to 88, and scored his only goal to date in the 3-2 win at Swindon Town last December. He was still under contract when Town’s interest emerged, but was half-expecting to leave Somerset this summer. “Myself and the management there spoke at the end of last season, and it became clear there was a good chance of me moving on,” he says. “They had plans to rebuild and I was keen to progress my career which with no disrespect intended to Yeovil, I
certainly think I’ve done by coming here. “My agent called me to say Huddersfield were interested, I had a chat with Lee Clark and was very happy with what he said to me. A couple of other clubs had shown an interest, but in reality, my mind was made up. “Like I said, I want to progress and I see Huddersfield as being a club I can progress with. The coaching in pre-season has been first-class, the players are great and I’ve got a good feeling about this season. “Season-ticket sales show the fans are expecting big things – and so are the players!”
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The 26-year-old midfielder became Galpharm manager Lee Clark’s first close-season capture when he signed a two-year contract at the end of May. The speed of the decision was a reflection of the talks held between the former Barnsley and Tranmere Rovers man, Clark and Town chairman Dean Hoyle. “Everything they had to say, about how they want to take the club forward and where they want to get to, impressed me,” says Kay, who was converted from a centre-back by Ronnie Moore at Tranmere, where he played 96 games and netted 19 goals over two seasons. “I’m still good mates with Robbie Williams from our time at Barnsley together, and he spoke very highly of the club as well. “This move didn’t take much selling – it’s a big club with a great stadium and great support, and it’s really good to be a part of things.” Kay was far from popular with the Galpharm faithful when he helped hometown club Barnsley overturn a first-leg deficit to dump Town in the 2005-06 League I play-off semi-finals. And he also played a major part in condemning Town to defeat at Prenton Park in March, when he netted twice in Tranmere’s 3-1 success. Rovers were on a roll at that stage, but the season ended in heartbreaking fashion when they missed out on a coveted top-six spot because of a last-day draw at Scunthorpe, who ended up winning promotion through the play-offs. “I’ve seen the good and bad of it, and it’s obvious which is the most enjoyable,” laughs Kay, who came through Barnsley’s youth system to play 197 times for the first team and chalk up 12 goals. “It was so frustrating to get so close to the
AGE 26 HEIGHT 5’ 11” WEIGHT 11st 8lb APPS 293 (26 of them as a sub) GOALS 31 FORMER CLUBS Barnsley, Tranmere Rovers CAREER HIGHLIGHT League I play-off success with Barnsley in 2006
play-offs only to miss out when Scunthorpe got a late equaliser, and it is something I’ve stewed over. “I also remember the play-offs with Barnsley very clearly. We were 1-0 down from the first leg at Oakwell, having not played that well, but we came over to the Galpharm and fought our way to a 3-1 win. “Then it was down to Cardiff for the final, when our game against Swansea went to penalties.” Kay netted the clinching spot kick, and continues: “It was a fantastic feeling to get promoted, still my best memory in football, and it was great to play in the Championship as well. “Getting back there is my aim, and with the squad the manager has assembled, I think we have a great chance. “Nobody is kidding themselves about what lies ahead, because there will be some strong sides in this division. “The three who have come down (Charlton, Norwich and Southampton) all have good players and those who have come up (Brentford, Exeter, Gillingham and
Wycombe) will have looked at Peterborough, who clinched successive promotions. “There are also plenty of strong sides already in the league, and Leeds, who are our main rivals, are always going to be a tough proposition.” Kay, who plans to sell his Warrington home and move back to Barnsley, says he’s been made more than welcome by the rest of the squad, and believes team spirit is going to be crucial to Town’s chances of success. “While I knew Robbie, I recognised most of the others through playing against them,” he says. “I soon felt at home, and I think the other new signings would say that as well. “You have to be together, both in the good times and the bad, and there are always some of those over the course of a season. “And when you look at our fixture list, there are an awful lot of long trips. That means we’ll have a few lengthy coach journeys and overnight stops, so it’s vital we all get on!” When it comes to quality, Kay has no doubt Town have what it takes. “You look around the place in training, and there are some many lads worthy of a place in the starting side,” he adds. “That means we’re all going to have to be on our toes all the way through, because no player can be guaranteed a place.”
■ SPECIAL KAY: ex-Barnsley and Tranmere player Antony aims to add some crunch to the Town midfield.
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Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Brentford Manager: Andy Scott (Dec 2007) Last Season: Champions of League II In: Ben Strevens, Sam Saunders and Danny Foster (Dagenham and Redbridge, Undisclosed), Myles Weston (Notts County, Tribunal), Leon Legge (Tonbridge Angels, F), Lewis Price (Derby, Season-Long Loan), Alan Bennett (Reading, F) Out: Moses Ademola (Woking, Six-Month Loan), Adam Newton, John Halls, Glenn Poole, Gary Smith, Brett Johnson, Seb Brown, Craig Pead, Darren Powell and Craig Dobson (Released) One to watch: Charlie MacDonald Prediction: Have momentum from promotion. Dark horses for play-off spot. Odds: 20/1
Bristol Rovers Manager: Paul Trollope (Sep 2005) Last Season: 11th In: Carl Regan (MK Dons, F), Dominic Blizzard (Stockport, F) Out: Craig Hinton (Northampton, F), Craig Disley (Shrewsbury, F), Ryan Green (Hereford, F), Joe Jacobson (Oldham, F) One to watch: Rickie Lambert, left Prediction: Although Rovers possess two classy forwards in Lambert and Daryl Duffy, Trollope has attracted few players to the Memorial Stadium over the summer. Mid-table mediocrity. Odds: 33/1
Leeds United Manager: Simon Grayson (Dec 2008) Last Season: 4th In: Jason Crowe (Northampton, F), Shane Higgs (Cheltenham, F), Patrick Kisnorbo (Leicester, F) Out: David Lucas and Jonathan Douglas (Swindon, F), Frazer Richardson (Charlton, F), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa, £8m) One to watch: Jermaine Beckford Prediction: Automatic promotion, but it’s a blow Grayson hasn’t been able to hang on to the prodigiously talented Fabian Delph.
Southend United Manager: Steve Tilson (Nov 2003) Last Season: 8th In: Steve Mildenhall (Yeovil, F), Osei Sankofa (Charlton, F), Paul Furlong (Luton, F), Ian Joyce (Watford, F), Lee Sawyer (Chelsea, Six-Month Loan), Matt Heath and John White (Colchester, One-Month Loan) Out: Peter Clarke (Town, F), Clark Masters (Aldershot, Undisclosed), Jamie Forshaw (Ebbsfleet, F), Davis Abbey, Charles Ademeno, Dan Harvey, Rhys Henry, Peggy Lokando and Luke Thurlbourne (Released) One to watch: Lee Barnard Prediction: Mid-table. Odds: 28/1
Dom Howson’s predicted table:
1st: Norwich 2nd: Leeds 3rd: Charlton 4th: Town 5th: MK Dons 6th: Colchester 7th: Brighton 8th: Tranmere 9th: Brentford 10th: Oldham 11th: Wycombe 12th: Southend 13th: Millwall 14th: Southampton 15th: Bristol Rovers 16th: Swindon 17th: Leyton Orient 18th: Walsall 19th: Hartlepool 20th: Carlisle 21st: Exeter 22nd: Gillingham 23rd: Yeovil 24th: Stockport
Mel Booth’s promotion tips I’VE said to countless fans already this summer I’ll be very disappointed if Town don’t figure strongly in the promotion shake-up this season. While a new-look squad is always going to need some time to fully gel, I reckon Lee Clark has made some very solid signings and, with the excellent backing of ambitious chairman Dean Hoyle, there will be power to strengthen again in January should it be necessary. While there’s been a big changeover of players at MK Dons, I reckon Paul Ince will have them driving along and I’m also sure Leeds United will again do well under the respected Simon Grayson.
Carlisle United Manager: Greg Abbott (Nov 2008) Last Season: 20th In: Adam Collin (Workington Reds, F), Matty Robson (Hartlepool, F), Lenny Pidgeley (Millwall, F), Tom Taiwo (Chelsea, Six-Month Loan) Out: Luke Joyce (Accrington, F), Danny Graham (Watford, Tribunal), Lewis Neal (Shrewsbury, F), Ben Williams (Colchester, Undisclosed), Josh Gowling (Gillingham, Five-Week Loan), Danny Carlton, Chris Lumsdon, Chris Howarth and Jeff Smith (Released) One to watch: Cleveland Taylor Prediction: The departure of top-scorer Graham is a blow to Carlisle, who avoided relegation by a point on the final day of last season. Another battle against the drop awaits the Cumbrians. Odds: 16/1
Odds: 3/1 favs
Leyton Orient
Manager: Geraint Williams (Feb 2009) Last Season: 14th In: Scott McGleish (Wycombe, F), Ben Chorley (Tranmere, Undisclosed), Jimmy Smith (Chelsea, F), Adrian Patulea (Lincoln, Undisclosed), James Scowcroft (Crystal Palace, F) Out: Adam Boyd (Hartlepool, Undisclosed), Bradley Gray (Salisbury, F), Alton Thelwell, Wayne Gray, Paul Terry, Brian Saah, Danny Granville, Aiden Palmer and Solomon Shields (Released) One to watch: Jason Demetriou Prediction: Experienced campaigners McGleish and Scowcroft to fire Orient to mid-table safety. Odds: 50/1
Stockport County Manager: Gary Ablett (July 2009) Last Season: 18th In: None. Out: Tommy Rowe (Peterborough, Undisclosed), Leon McSweeney (Hartlepool, F), Jamie Tunnicliffe and Gary Dicker (Brighton, Undisclosed), Dominic Blizzard (Bristol Rovers, F) One to watch: Carl Baker Prediction: Expect the Hatters to be in the thick of the relegation dogfight. Odds: 100/1
Automatic promotion Play-offs
Bristol Rovers Leeds United Norwich City Charlton Athletic
Manager: Phil Parkinson (Nov 2008) Last Season: 24th in the Championship In: Miguel Angel Llera (MK Dons, F), Frazer Richardson (Leeds, F) Out: Darren Ambrose (Crystal Palace, F), Mark Hudson (Cardiff, £1.075m), Sean McGinty (Manchester United, Undisclosed), Josh Wright (Scunthorpe, F), Osei Sankofa (Southend, F), Harry Arter, Svetoslav Todorov, Aswad Thomas, Rashid Yussuff, Zheng Zhi and Nicky Weaver (Released) One to watch: Jonjo Shelvey Prediction: As long as Parkinson refuses to sell teenage sensation Shelvey and midfield dynamo Nicky Bailey, the Addicks will be there or thereabouts in the promotion race. Odds: 8/1
Millwall Manager: Kenny Jackett (Nov 2007) Last Season: 5th In: John Sullivan (Brighton, F), Steve Morrison (Stevenage, £130,000), Jason Price (Doncaster, F) Out: Adrian Forbes (Grimsby, Undisclosed), Lenny Pidgeley (Carlisle, F), Richard Duffy (Exeter, F), Ahmet Brkovic, Danny Spiller, Gary Bowes, Darren Ebsworth, Lyle Taylor, Laurie Walker and Preston Edwards (Released) One to watch: Lewis Grabban Prediction: Jackett performed a miracle in leading the club to Wembley last term. However, that feat is unlikely to be replicated again. Bottom half finish. Odds: 16/1
Swindon Town Manager: Danny Wilson (Dec 2008) Last Season: 15th In: Gordon Greer (Doncaster, F), David Lucas and Jonathan Douglas (Leeds, F), Alan O’Brien (Hibernian, Undisclosed), Scott Cuthbert (Celtic, Undisclosed) Out: Chris Blackburn (Aldershot, F), Sofiane Zaaboub (Walsall, F), Michael Comminges (Cardiff, Undisclosed), Simon Cox (West Brom, £1.5m), Barry Corr (Exeter, F), Chris Allen, Peter Brezovan, Tom Evans, Jake Hyde, Ben Joyce, Sam Morris, Lilian Nalis, Michael Pook, Hamdi Razak, Jack Smith, Blair Sturrock and Jamie Vincent (Released) One to watch: Alan O’Brien Prediction: Consolidation. Odds: 40/1
Doug Thomson’s promotion tips I’M going for a West Yorkshire one-two in the chase for the Championship. With two more derbies on the calendar this campaign, it would be great if the rivalry could continue at the next level in 2010-11, and if both clubs perform to their potential, why not? I also fancy neighbours Oldham and their posse of Town old boys to do well under Dave Penney, who showed his skills as a manager at Doncaster. Millwall, seldom an easy place to visit, have what it takes to have another crack at promotion while Colchester boss Paul Lambert is a man I rate highly. Of the relegated trio, I fancy Norwich to push most convincingly.
MK Dons Huddersfield Town
Charlton Athletic
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HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010 DOM HOWSON runs the rule over the League I candidates ... and gives his prediction for the final table. All odds supplied by WILLIAM HILL
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Colchester United Manager: Paul Lambert (Oct 2008) Last Season: 12th In: Ashley Vincent (Watford, Undisclosed fee), David Fox (Blackpool, F), Lee Beevers (Lincoln, F), Magnus Okuonghae (Dagenham, F), Joel Thomas (Hamilton, £125,000), Ben Williams (Carlisle, Undisclosed), Gary Holt (Wycombe, F) Out: Mark Yeates (Middlesbrough, Undisclosed), Dean Gerken (Bristol City, Undisclosed), Chris Coyne (Perth Glory, F), Matt Heath and John White (Southend, One-Month Loan) One to watch: Simon Hackney Prediction: Could be involved in the promotion shake up if Hackney and new addition Thomas can supply the ammunition for strikers Steven Gillespie and Clive Platt. Odds: 28/1
MK Dons Manager: Paul Ince (July 2009) Last Season: 3rd In: Jabo Ibehre (Walsall, F), David McCracken (Wycombe, F), Stephen Gleeson (Wolves, Undisclosed), Lewis Gobern (Wolves, F), Jermaine Easter (Plymouth, Undisclosed), Stuart Searle (Watford, F), Richie Partridge (Chester, F), Danny Woodards and Mark Carrington (Crewe, F) Out: Carl Regan (Bristol Rovers, F), Mark Wright (Brighton, F), Miguel Angel Llera (Charlton, F), Ali Gerba, Flavien Belson, Nathan Abbey, Alan Navarro and Tore Andre Flo (Released) One to watch: Sam Baldock Prediction: With Ince re-installed at the helm, the Dons have every chance of going up. Odds: 8/1
Tranmere Rovers Manager: John Barnes (June 2009), below left Last Season: 7th In: Alan Mahon (Burnley, F), John Welsh (Hull, Undisclosed), Paul McLaren (Bradford, F), Luke Daniels (West Brom, Season-Long Loan), Shaleum Logan (Manchester City, Season-Long Loan) Out: Antony Kay (Huddersfield, F), Ben Chorley (Leyton Orient, Undisclosed), Danny Coyne (Middlesbrough, Undisclosed), Andy Taylor (Sheffield United, Undisclosed), Mark Allott (Chesterfield, F), Edrissa Sonko, Adnan Ahmed, Luke Waterfall and Danny Holmes (Released) One to watch: Chris Shuker Prediction: Despite the appointment of Barnes, Rovers will fall fractionally short of play-offs for the second consecutive season. Odds: 25/1
Automatic promotion
Huddersfield Town Leeds United
Play-offs
Millwall Oldham Athletic Brighton and Hove Albion Norwich City
Exeter City Manager: Paul Tisdale (June 2006) Last Season: Runners-up in League II In: Scott Golbourne (Reading, F), Barry Corr (Swindon, F), Joe Burnell (Bristol City, F), Richard Duffy (Millwall, F), James Dunne (Arsenal, F), Troy Archibald-Henville (Tottenham, Six-Month Loan), James Norwood (Eastbourne Town, F) Out: Dean Moxey (Derby, Undisclosed), Matthew Gill (Norwich, F), Steve Basham, Jack Obersteller, Nick Jordan, Ronnie Bull and Fred Murray (Released) One to watch: Adam Stansfield Prediction: Exeter are plying their trade in the third tier of English football for the first time since 1994. Nonetheless, expect Tisdale’s troops to be sucked into the relegation quicksand. Odds: 50/1
Norwich City Manager: Bryan Gunn (Jan 2009) Last Season: 22nd in the Championship In: Matthew Gill (Exeter, F), Owain Tudor Jones (Swansea, £250,000), Michael Nelson (Hartlepool, F), Michael Theoklitos (Melbourne Victory, F), Stephen Hughes (Motherwell, F), Paul McVeigh (Luton, F), Rhoys Wiggins (Crystal Palace, Undisclosed), Simon Whaley (Preston, Undisclosed), Ben Alnwick (Tottenham, Three-Month Loan), Grant Holt (Shrewsbury, £400,000), Berthel Askou and Goran Maric (Unattached) Out: David Marshall (Cardiff, Undisclosed), Lee Croft (Derby, F), Sammy Clingan (Coventry, Undisclosed), Stuart Nelson (Aberdeen, F) Carl Cort (Released) One to watch: Jamie Cureton Prediction: Strong in every department following Gunn’s summer shopping spree. Champions. Odds: 7/1
Walsall Manager: Chris Hutchings (Jan 2009) Last Season: 13th In: Mark Hughes (Northampton, Undisclosed), Steve Jones (Burnley, F), Josh O’Keefe (Blackburn, Undisclosed), Sam Parkin (Luton, F), Peter Till (Grimsby, F) Out: Jabo Ibehre (MK Dons, F), Chris Palmer (Gillingham, F), Anthony Gerrard (Cardiff, Undisclosed), Michael Ricketts, Paul Boertien and Hassan Bacchus (Released) One to watch: Sam Parkin Prediction: Losing stellar defender Gerrard has left a gaping hole for Hutchings to plug. Bottom half of the division. Odds: 66/1
Gillingham
Manager: Mark Stimson (Nov 2007) Last Season: League II Play-off Winners In: Kevin Maher (Oldham, F), Chris Palmer (Walsall, F), Josh Gowling (Carlisle, Five-Week Loan) Out: Andrew Crofts (Brighton, F), Sean Clohessy (Salisbury, F), Albert Jarrett (Barnet, F), Nicky Southall, Gary Mulligan, Charlie Howard, Chris Kiely and Tayler Thomas (Released) One to watch: Simeon Jackson Prediction: A quick return to League Two. Odds: 50/1
Oldham Athletic Manager: Dave Penney (May 2009) Last Season: 10th In: Rob Purdle (Darlington, F), Jonathan Worthington, Andy Holdsworth and Keigan Parker (Town, F), Joe Jacobson (Bristol Rovers, F), Kevin Maher (Gillingham, F), Pawel Abbott (Darlington, Undisclosed), Dean Brill (Luton, F), Dean Furman (Rangers, Undisclosed), Rene Steer (Arsenal, F), Philip Ojapah (Liverpool, F), Michael McKerr (Birmingham, F) Out: Stefan Stam (Yeovil, F), Lee Hughes (Notts County, F), Kevin Maher (Gillingham, F), Greg Fleming (Dunfermline, Season-Long Loan), JP Kalala, Mark Crossley, Andy Liddell and Matthew Wolfenden (Released) One to watch: Chris Taylor Prediction: Top-10 material. Odds: 33/1
Wycombe Wanderers
Manager: Peter Taylor (May 2008) Last Season: Third in League II In: Lewis Montrose (Wigan, F), Joe Cobb (Leicester, F), Chris Westwood (Peterborough, F), Michael Dubbery (Reading, F), Ian Westlake (Cheltenham, F), Stuart Green (Blackpool, F) Out: Scott McGleish (Leyton Orient, F), David McCracken (MK Dons, F), Jamie Turley (Salisbury, F), Gary Holt (Colchester, F), Magno Vieira, Robbie Rice, Leon Crooks and Nathan Ashton (Released) One to watch: Matt Harrold Prediction: Taylor has sparked a revolution at Adams Park. Do not be surprised to see Wanderers pushing for honours. Odds: 50/1
Brighton & Hove Albion
Manager: Russell Slade (March 2009) Last Season: 16th In: Mark Wright (MK Dons, F), Jamie Tunnicliffe and Gary Dicker (Stockport, Undisclosed), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham, F), Graeme Smith (Motherwell, F), Liam Dickinson (Derby, Undisclosed), Matt Thornhill (Nottingham Forest, Six-Month Loan) Out: Joel Lynch (Nottingham Forest, £200,000), Doug Loft (Port Vale, F), John Sullivan (Millwall, F), Tommy Fraser, Adam Hinshelwood, Sam Gargan, Kane Louis, Andy Pearson, Dan Royce, Kane Wills, Jake Robinson, Chris Birchall, Seb Carole and Jason Jarrett (Released), Jonny Dixon and Kerry Mayo (Retired) One to watch: Mark Wright Prediction: Slade has recruited shrewdly in Wright and former Town loanee Dickinson. Potential challenges for the top six. Odds: 12/1
Hartlepool United
Manager: Chris Turner (Dec 2008) Last Season: 19th In: Adam Boyd (Leyton Orient, Undisclosed), Neil Austin (Darlington, F), Leon McSweeney (Stockport, F), Peter Hartley (Sunderland, F), Scott Flinders (Crystal Palace, F), Jon-Andre Fredriksen (Sarpsborg 08, Undisclosed), Denis Behan (Cork City, Undisclosed) Out: Michael Nelson (Norwich, F), Matty Robson (Carlisle, F), Jan Budtz, Arran Lee-Barratt, Jamie McCunnie, Joe Tait and Martin Young (Released) One to watch: Joel Porter Prediction: To stay up by the skin of their teeth. Odds: 66/1
Southampton Manager: Alan Pardew (July 2009), pictured below Last Season: 23rd in the Championship In: Dan Harding (Ipswich, F) Out: Nathan Dyer (Swansea, £400,000), David McGoldrick (Nottingham Forest, Undisclosed), Andrew Surman (Wolves, £1.2m), Bradley Wright-Phillips (Plymouth, Undisclosed), Stern John (Crystal Palace, F), Jason Euell (Blackpool, F), Rudi Skacel, Ryan Smith and Romain Gasmi (Released) One to watch: Adam Lallana Prediction: Should survive and finish mid-table despite 10 point deduction. Odds: 22/1
Yeovil Town Manager: Terry Skiverton (Feb 2009) Last Season: 17th In: Danny Hutchins (Tottenham, F), Steven Caulker and Ryan Mason (Tottenham, L), Scott Murray (Bristol City, F), Stefan Stam (Oldham, F), Sam Williams (Aston Villa, F), Alex McCarthy (Reading, Six-Month Loan), Dean Bowditch (Ipswich, F) Out: Steve Mildenhall (Southend, F), Lee Peltier (Town, Undisclosed), Paul Warne (Rotherham, F), Luke Rodgers (Notts County, F), Rob Fitzgerald, Jordan Street and Aaron Brown (Released) One to watch: Ryan Mason Prediction: Rookie manager Skiverton faces a daunting task trying to keep Yeovil’s head above water. Relegation candidates. Odds: 80/1
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Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Brentford Manager: Andy Scott (Dec 2007) Last Season: Champions of League II In: Ben Strevens, Sam Saunders and Danny Foster (Dagenham and Redbridge, Undisclosed), Myles Weston (Notts County, Tribunal), Leon Legge (Tonbridge Angels, F), Lewis Price (Derby, Season-Long Loan), Alan Bennett (Reading, F) Out: Moses Ademola (Woking, Six-Month Loan), Adam Newton, John Halls, Glenn Poole, Gary Smith, Brett Johnson, Seb Brown, Craig Pead, Darren Powell and Craig Dobson (Released) One to watch: Charlie MacDonald Prediction: Have momentum from promotion. Dark horses for play-off spot. Odds: 20/1
Bristol Rovers Manager: Paul Trollope (Sep 2005) Last Season: 11th In: Carl Regan (MK Dons, F), Dominic Blizzard (Stockport, F) Out: Craig Hinton (Northampton, F), Craig Disley (Shrewsbury, F), Ryan Green (Hereford, F), Joe Jacobson (Oldham, F) One to watch: Rickie Lambert, left Prediction: Although Rovers possess two classy forwards in Lambert and Daryl Duffy, Trollope has attracted few players to the Memorial Stadium over the summer. Mid-table mediocrity. Odds: 33/1
Leeds United Manager: Simon Grayson (Dec 2008) Last Season: 4th In: Jason Crowe (Northampton, F), Shane Higgs (Cheltenham, F), Patrick Kisnorbo (Leicester, F) Out: David Lucas and Jonathan Douglas (Swindon, F), Frazer Richardson (Charlton, F), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa, £8m) One to watch: Jermaine Beckford Prediction: Automatic promotion, but it’s a blow Grayson hasn’t been able to hang on to the prodigiously talented Fabian Delph.
Southend United Manager: Steve Tilson (Nov 2003) Last Season: 8th In: Steve Mildenhall (Yeovil, F), Osei Sankofa (Charlton, F), Paul Furlong (Luton, F), Ian Joyce (Watford, F), Lee Sawyer (Chelsea, Six-Month Loan), Matt Heath and John White (Colchester, One-Month Loan) Out: Peter Clarke (Town, F), Clark Masters (Aldershot, Undisclosed), Jamie Forshaw (Ebbsfleet, F), Davis Abbey, Charles Ademeno, Dan Harvey, Rhys Henry, Peggy Lokando and Luke Thurlbourne (Released) One to watch: Lee Barnard Prediction: Mid-table. Odds: 28/1
Dom Howson’s predicted table:
1st: Norwich 2nd: Leeds 3rd: Charlton 4th: Town 5th: MK Dons 6th: Colchester 7th: Brighton 8th: Tranmere 9th: Brentford 10th: Oldham 11th: Wycombe 12th: Southend 13th: Millwall 14th: Southampton 15th: Bristol Rovers 16th: Swindon 17th: Leyton Orient 18th: Walsall 19th: Hartlepool 20th: Carlisle 21st: Exeter 22nd: Gillingham 23rd: Yeovil 24th: Stockport
Mel Booth’s promotion tips I’VE said to countless fans already this summer I’ll be very disappointed if Town don’t figure strongly in the promotion shake-up this season. While a new-look squad is always going to need some time to fully gel, I reckon Lee Clark has made some very solid signings and, with the excellent backing of ambitious chairman Dean Hoyle, there will be power to strengthen again in January should it be necessary. While there’s been a big changeover of players at MK Dons, I reckon Paul Ince will have them driving along and I’m also sure Leeds United will again do well under the respected Simon Grayson.
Carlisle United Manager: Greg Abbott (Nov 2008) Last Season: 20th In: Adam Collin (Workington Reds, F), Matty Robson (Hartlepool, F), Lenny Pidgeley (Millwall, F), Tom Taiwo (Chelsea, Six-Month Loan) Out: Luke Joyce (Accrington, F), Danny Graham (Watford, Tribunal), Lewis Neal (Shrewsbury, F), Ben Williams (Colchester, Undisclosed), Josh Gowling (Gillingham, Five-Week Loan), Danny Carlton, Chris Lumsdon, Chris Howarth and Jeff Smith (Released) One to watch: Cleveland Taylor Prediction: The departure of top-scorer Graham is a blow to Carlisle, who avoided relegation by a point on the final day of last season. Another battle against the drop awaits the Cumbrians. Odds: 16/1
Odds: 3/1 favs
Leyton Orient
Manager: Geraint Williams (Feb 2009) Last Season: 14th In: Scott McGleish (Wycombe, F), Ben Chorley (Tranmere, Undisclosed), Jimmy Smith (Chelsea, F), Adrian Patulea (Lincoln, Undisclosed), James Scowcroft (Crystal Palace, F) Out: Adam Boyd (Hartlepool, Undisclosed), Bradley Gray (Salisbury, F), Alton Thelwell, Wayne Gray, Paul Terry, Brian Saah, Danny Granville, Aiden Palmer and Solomon Shields (Released) One to watch: Jason Demetriou Prediction: Experienced campaigners McGleish and Scowcroft to fire Orient to mid-table safety. Odds: 50/1
Stockport County Manager: Gary Ablett (July 2009) Last Season: 18th In: None. Out: Tommy Rowe (Peterborough, Undisclosed), Leon McSweeney (Hartlepool, F), Jamie Tunnicliffe and Gary Dicker (Brighton, Undisclosed), Dominic Blizzard (Bristol Rovers, F) One to watch: Carl Baker Prediction: Expect the Hatters to be in the thick of the relegation dogfight. Odds: 100/1
Automatic promotion Play-offs
Bristol Rovers Leeds United Norwich City Charlton Athletic
Manager: Phil Parkinson (Nov 2008) Last Season: 24th in the Championship In: Miguel Angel Llera (MK Dons, F), Frazer Richardson (Leeds, F) Out: Darren Ambrose (Crystal Palace, F), Mark Hudson (Cardiff, £1.075m), Sean McGinty (Manchester United, Undisclosed), Josh Wright (Scunthorpe, F), Osei Sankofa (Southend, F), Harry Arter, Svetoslav Todorov, Aswad Thomas, Rashid Yussuff, Zheng Zhi and Nicky Weaver (Released) One to watch: Jonjo Shelvey Prediction: As long as Parkinson refuses to sell teenage sensation Shelvey and midfield dynamo Nicky Bailey, the Addicks will be there or thereabouts in the promotion race. Odds: 8/1
Millwall Manager: Kenny Jackett (Nov 2007) Last Season: 5th In: John Sullivan (Brighton, F), Steve Morrison (Stevenage, £130,000), Jason Price (Doncaster, F) Out: Adrian Forbes (Grimsby, Undisclosed), Lenny Pidgeley (Carlisle, F), Richard Duffy (Exeter, F), Ahmet Brkovic, Danny Spiller, Gary Bowes, Darren Ebsworth, Lyle Taylor, Laurie Walker and Preston Edwards (Released) One to watch: Lewis Grabban Prediction: Jackett performed a miracle in leading the club to Wembley last term. However, that feat is unlikely to be replicated again. Bottom half finish. Odds: 16/1
Swindon Town Manager: Danny Wilson (Dec 2008) Last Season: 15th In: Gordon Greer (Doncaster, F), David Lucas and Jonathan Douglas (Leeds, F), Alan O’Brien (Hibernian, Undisclosed), Scott Cuthbert (Celtic, Undisclosed) Out: Chris Blackburn (Aldershot, F), Sofiane Zaaboub (Walsall, F), Michael Comminges (Cardiff, Undisclosed), Simon Cox (West Brom, £1.5m), Barry Corr (Exeter, F), Chris Allen, Peter Brezovan, Tom Evans, Jake Hyde, Ben Joyce, Sam Morris, Lilian Nalis, Michael Pook, Hamdi Razak, Jack Smith, Blair Sturrock and Jamie Vincent (Released) One to watch: Alan O’Brien Prediction: Consolidation. Odds: 40/1
Doug Thomson’s promotion tips I’M going for a West Yorkshire one-two in the chase for the Championship. With two more derbies on the calendar this campaign, it would be great if the rivalry could continue at the next level in 2010-11, and if both clubs perform to their potential, why not? I also fancy neighbours Oldham and their posse of Town old boys to do well under Dave Penney, who showed his skills as a manager at Doncaster. Millwall, seldom an easy place to visit, have what it takes to have another crack at promotion while Colchester boss Paul Lambert is a man I rate highly. Of the relegated trio, I fancy Norwich to push most convincingly.
MK Dons Huddersfield Town
Charlton Athletic
Page 7
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010 DOM HOWSON runs the rule over the League I candidates ... and gives his prediction for the final table. All odds supplied by WILLIAM HILL
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Colchester United Manager: Paul Lambert (Oct 2008) Last Season: 12th In: Ashley Vincent (Watford, Undisclosed fee), David Fox (Blackpool, F), Lee Beevers (Lincoln, F), Magnus Okuonghae (Dagenham, F), Joel Thomas (Hamilton, £125,000), Ben Williams (Carlisle, Undisclosed), Gary Holt (Wycombe, F) Out: Mark Yeates (Middlesbrough, Undisclosed), Dean Gerken (Bristol City, Undisclosed), Chris Coyne (Perth Glory, F), Matt Heath and John White (Southend, One-Month Loan) One to watch: Simon Hackney Prediction: Could be involved in the promotion shake up if Hackney and new addition Thomas can supply the ammunition for strikers Steven Gillespie and Clive Platt. Odds: 28/1
MK Dons Manager: Paul Ince (July 2009) Last Season: 3rd In: Jabo Ibehre (Walsall, F), David McCracken (Wycombe, F), Stephen Gleeson (Wolves, Undisclosed), Lewis Gobern (Wolves, F), Jermaine Easter (Plymouth, Undisclosed), Stuart Searle (Watford, F), Richie Partridge (Chester, F), Danny Woodards and Mark Carrington (Crewe, F) Out: Carl Regan (Bristol Rovers, F), Mark Wright (Brighton, F), Miguel Angel Llera (Charlton, F), Ali Gerba, Flavien Belson, Nathan Abbey, Alan Navarro and Tore Andre Flo (Released) One to watch: Sam Baldock Prediction: With Ince re-installed at the helm, the Dons have every chance of going up. Odds: 8/1
Tranmere Rovers Manager: John Barnes (June 2009), below left Last Season: 7th In: Alan Mahon (Burnley, F), John Welsh (Hull, Undisclosed), Paul McLaren (Bradford, F), Luke Daniels (West Brom, Season-Long Loan), Shaleum Logan (Manchester City, Season-Long Loan) Out: Antony Kay (Huddersfield, F), Ben Chorley (Leyton Orient, Undisclosed), Danny Coyne (Middlesbrough, Undisclosed), Andy Taylor (Sheffield United, Undisclosed), Mark Allott (Chesterfield, F), Edrissa Sonko, Adnan Ahmed, Luke Waterfall and Danny Holmes (Released) One to watch: Chris Shuker Prediction: Despite the appointment of Barnes, Rovers will fall fractionally short of play-offs for the second consecutive season. Odds: 25/1
Automatic promotion
Huddersfield Town Leeds United
Play-offs
Millwall Oldham Athletic Brighton and Hove Albion Norwich City
Exeter City Manager: Paul Tisdale (June 2006) Last Season: Runners-up in League II In: Scott Golbourne (Reading, F), Barry Corr (Swindon, F), Joe Burnell (Bristol City, F), Richard Duffy (Millwall, F), James Dunne (Arsenal, F), Troy Archibald-Henville (Tottenham, Six-Month Loan), James Norwood (Eastbourne Town, F) Out: Dean Moxey (Derby, Undisclosed), Matthew Gill (Norwich, F), Steve Basham, Jack Obersteller, Nick Jordan, Ronnie Bull and Fred Murray (Released) One to watch: Adam Stansfield Prediction: Exeter are plying their trade in the third tier of English football for the first time since 1994. Nonetheless, expect Tisdale’s troops to be sucked into the relegation quicksand. Odds: 50/1
Norwich City Manager: Bryan Gunn (Jan 2009) Last Season: 22nd in the Championship In: Matthew Gill (Exeter, F), Owain Tudor Jones (Swansea, £250,000), Michael Nelson (Hartlepool, F), Michael Theoklitos (Melbourne Victory, F), Stephen Hughes (Motherwell, F), Paul McVeigh (Luton, F), Rhoys Wiggins (Crystal Palace, Undisclosed), Simon Whaley (Preston, Undisclosed), Ben Alnwick (Tottenham, Three-Month Loan), Grant Holt (Shrewsbury, £400,000), Berthel Askou and Goran Maric (Unattached) Out: David Marshall (Cardiff, Undisclosed), Lee Croft (Derby, F), Sammy Clingan (Coventry, Undisclosed), Stuart Nelson (Aberdeen, F) Carl Cort (Released) One to watch: Jamie Cureton Prediction: Strong in every department following Gunn’s summer shopping spree. Champions. Odds: 7/1
Walsall Manager: Chris Hutchings (Jan 2009) Last Season: 13th In: Mark Hughes (Northampton, Undisclosed), Steve Jones (Burnley, F), Josh O’Keefe (Blackburn, Undisclosed), Sam Parkin (Luton, F), Peter Till (Grimsby, F) Out: Jabo Ibehre (MK Dons, F), Chris Palmer (Gillingham, F), Anthony Gerrard (Cardiff, Undisclosed), Michael Ricketts, Paul Boertien and Hassan Bacchus (Released) One to watch: Sam Parkin Prediction: Losing stellar defender Gerrard has left a gaping hole for Hutchings to plug. Bottom half of the division. Odds: 66/1
Gillingham
Manager: Mark Stimson (Nov 2007) Last Season: League II Play-off Winners In: Kevin Maher (Oldham, F), Chris Palmer (Walsall, F), Josh Gowling (Carlisle, Five-Week Loan) Out: Andrew Crofts (Brighton, F), Sean Clohessy (Salisbury, F), Albert Jarrett (Barnet, F), Nicky Southall, Gary Mulligan, Charlie Howard, Chris Kiely and Tayler Thomas (Released) One to watch: Simeon Jackson Prediction: A quick return to League Two. Odds: 50/1
Oldham Athletic Manager: Dave Penney (May 2009) Last Season: 10th In: Rob Purdle (Darlington, F), Jonathan Worthington, Andy Holdsworth and Keigan Parker (Town, F), Joe Jacobson (Bristol Rovers, F), Kevin Maher (Gillingham, F), Pawel Abbott (Darlington, Undisclosed), Dean Brill (Luton, F), Dean Furman (Rangers, Undisclosed), Rene Steer (Arsenal, F), Philip Ojapah (Liverpool, F), Michael McKerr (Birmingham, F) Out: Stefan Stam (Yeovil, F), Lee Hughes (Notts County, F), Kevin Maher (Gillingham, F), Greg Fleming (Dunfermline, Season-Long Loan), JP Kalala, Mark Crossley, Andy Liddell and Matthew Wolfenden (Released) One to watch: Chris Taylor Prediction: Top-10 material. Odds: 33/1
Wycombe Wanderers
Manager: Peter Taylor (May 2008) Last Season: Third in League II In: Lewis Montrose (Wigan, F), Joe Cobb (Leicester, F), Chris Westwood (Peterborough, F), Michael Dubbery (Reading, F), Ian Westlake (Cheltenham, F), Stuart Green (Blackpool, F) Out: Scott McGleish (Leyton Orient, F), David McCracken (MK Dons, F), Jamie Turley (Salisbury, F), Gary Holt (Colchester, F), Magno Vieira, Robbie Rice, Leon Crooks and Nathan Ashton (Released) One to watch: Matt Harrold Prediction: Taylor has sparked a revolution at Adams Park. Do not be surprised to see Wanderers pushing for honours. Odds: 50/1
Brighton & Hove Albion
Manager: Russell Slade (March 2009) Last Season: 16th In: Mark Wright (MK Dons, F), Jamie Tunnicliffe and Gary Dicker (Stockport, Undisclosed), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham, F), Graeme Smith (Motherwell, F), Liam Dickinson (Derby, Undisclosed), Matt Thornhill (Nottingham Forest, Six-Month Loan) Out: Joel Lynch (Nottingham Forest, £200,000), Doug Loft (Port Vale, F), John Sullivan (Millwall, F), Tommy Fraser, Adam Hinshelwood, Sam Gargan, Kane Louis, Andy Pearson, Dan Royce, Kane Wills, Jake Robinson, Chris Birchall, Seb Carole and Jason Jarrett (Released), Jonny Dixon and Kerry Mayo (Retired) One to watch: Mark Wright Prediction: Slade has recruited shrewdly in Wright and former Town loanee Dickinson. Potential challenges for the top six. Odds: 12/1
Hartlepool United
Manager: Chris Turner (Dec 2008) Last Season: 19th In: Adam Boyd (Leyton Orient, Undisclosed), Neil Austin (Darlington, F), Leon McSweeney (Stockport, F), Peter Hartley (Sunderland, F), Scott Flinders (Crystal Palace, F), Jon-Andre Fredriksen (Sarpsborg 08, Undisclosed), Denis Behan (Cork City, Undisclosed) Out: Michael Nelson (Norwich, F), Matty Robson (Carlisle, F), Jan Budtz, Arran Lee-Barratt, Jamie McCunnie, Joe Tait and Martin Young (Released) One to watch: Joel Porter Prediction: To stay up by the skin of their teeth. Odds: 66/1
Southampton Manager: Alan Pardew (July 2009), pictured below Last Season: 23rd in the Championship In: Dan Harding (Ipswich, F) Out: Nathan Dyer (Swansea, £400,000), David McGoldrick (Nottingham Forest, Undisclosed), Andrew Surman (Wolves, £1.2m), Bradley Wright-Phillips (Plymouth, Undisclosed), Stern John (Crystal Palace, F), Jason Euell (Blackpool, F), Rudi Skacel, Ryan Smith and Romain Gasmi (Released) One to watch: Adam Lallana Prediction: Should survive and finish mid-table despite 10 point deduction. Odds: 22/1
Yeovil Town Manager: Terry Skiverton (Feb 2009) Last Season: 17th In: Danny Hutchins (Tottenham, F), Steven Caulker and Ryan Mason (Tottenham, L), Scott Murray (Bristol City, F), Stefan Stam (Oldham, F), Sam Williams (Aston Villa, F), Alex McCarthy (Reading, Six-Month Loan), Dean Bowditch (Ipswich, F) Out: Steve Mildenhall (Southend, F), Lee Peltier (Town, Undisclosed), Paul Warne (Rotherham, F), Luke Rodgers (Notts County, F), Rob Fitzgerald, Jordan Street and Aaron Brown (Released) One to watch: Ryan Mason Prediction: Rookie manager Skiverton faces a daunting task trying to keep Yeovil’s head above water. Relegation candidates. Odds: 80/1
Page 8
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
■ DRIVING AMBITION: new boy Robbie Simpson can’t wait for 2009-10 to get under way.
POSITIVITY
ROBBIE SIMPSON takes some Spice advice By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
R
OBBIE SIMPSON is brimming with confidence and goes into Saturday’s opener against Southend promising: “Everything here just seems geared for having a ■ ROLE MODEL: the Spice Girls. great season.” The 24-year-old striker has stepped down from the Championship with Coventry City to join the Galpharm revolution and he’s no doubts he’ll soon be stepping back up again. “I’ve very optimistic,” said the Poole-born frontman, who played for both Cambridge clubs before moving to the Ricoh Arena. “There are no ifs or buts, everything here just seems geared for having a great season and we can’t wait to get cracking. “There is no negativity, everything is positive. “Steve Black, the performance coach, is brilliant in that respect. He always injects positives into the changing room and it’s brilliant to be a part of.” Simpson – who has netted against Gateshead and Macclesfield (penalty) in pre-season – knows he is entering the most
crucial part of his own career and is convinced he has made the right move. “I love it here and I really do feel the club is going places,” he said. “We’ve been playing Championship clubs in pre-season and we hope to be playing them week in and week out in the not too distant future. “Coventry weren’t actively looking to sell me, but Huddersfield came in with a good offer and I then expressed my desire to leave. “I had a few other options open to me, but once I’d spoken to Lee Clark I didn’t have any other options – my mind was made up to play for him. “The club’s outlook and the ambition of the manager is what really sold it to me. “The manager wants to take the club right through to the Premiership and he believes I can be a big part of that. “That filled me with loads of BRIGHOUSE MOTORCYCLE confidence and I genuinely feel the TRAINING CENTRE manager can develop me and make Alder Street, Fartown, Huddersfield HD1 6LD me a better player. “That’s just what I need. I am not the While he’s watching the footy you finished article and I know that, I’ve got to learn a lot to progress as a could score a goal with us. player – but I feel I can do that under Lee Clark and I feel the club can Come & learn to ride a motorcycle progress a lot under him as well.” Having played mostly on the wing for Chris Coleman at Coventry, Simpson Huddersfield’s premier training school is looking forward to playing as a Email: training@brighousetc.co.uk central striker at the Galpharm, to Web: www.brighousetc.co.uk complement the talents of Theo Tel: 0800 19 55 773
Robinson, Lee Novak and Jordan Rhodes, and to feeding off the service of widemen Anthony Pilkington, Gary Roberts and Lionel Ainsworth. “The chance to play up the middle of the park was one of the main reasons I came here,” he said. “I didn’t feel I was ever going to get the opportunity at Coventry and, to be honest, I don’t think I ever played two games on the trot for them as a central striker. “The manager here has made it clear he sees me playing ‘up top’ and I’m very happy with that, especially with the quality of the wingers we’ve got in the squad. “For the last couple of seasons I haven’t been able to enjoy that as a striker, yet here we’ve got people like Gary, Pilks and Lionel who can all go past full-backs and whip in a fantastic cross. I’ve been very impressed with them. “I reckon I can play well alongside Theo, Lee or Jordan, because I like playing alongside a quicker striker so that I can drop off the defenders and link the play. Hopefully I’ll be able to create plenty of chances for my teammates as well as scoring enough of my own. “As a frontman you always set a target of 20 goals and, hopefully, I will get past that or at least get close to it this season. That’s the aim.” Simpson has been impressed with the whole Town set-up, he believes he’ll enjoy playing in the Galpharm atmosphere and all he wants now is to make a solid start to the season. “It’s vital we get off to a good one,” he remarked. “Just like it’s difficult to change a losing mentality, it’s difficult to change a winning one as well and if we can get off to a flier then hopefully we can kick on and, perhaps, storm League I like Leicester City did last season.”
Page 9
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
All you need is
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
‘I haven’t come here because of the wages’ This club is going places says new captain Clarke By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor
PETER CLARKE factfile AGE 26 HEIGHT 6’ WEIGHT 12st APPS 291 (10 of them as a sub) GOALS 29 FORMER CLUBS Everton, Port Vale (loan), Coventry (loan), Blackpool, Southend CAREER HIGHLIGHT Playing for England Under 21s
doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk
P
ETER CLARKE is planning to turn back time as he prepares for a new chapter in his career with Town.
The 27-year-old Southport-born centre-back started life in the Premier League with Everton, and would love to return to that lofty level. But reaching the Championship is the immediate priority for the former England Under 21 captain, who has signed a three-year Galpharm contract after leaving Southend United, Town’s opening-day opponents on Saturday. And having made a decent stab at promotion from League I in the last two seasons – Southend made the play-offs in 2007-08 and finished eighth last time around – Clarke, who was both the players’ and supporters’ player of the year at Roots Hall last season and has been installed as Town’s captain for 2009-10, is determined to make it third time lucky. “I joined Southend to play Championship football,” explains Clarke, who left Blackpool in the close-season of 2006, just after the Essex club had gone up as League I champions. “And I’ve come to Huddersfield for the same reason, because I firmly believe we are a club who are going places.” The fact that Southend finished a place above Town last term has led many to suggest Clarke is moving through personal and financial rather than footballing factors. The Goodison Park protege has admitted he was keen to return North for family reasons, but insists his pay packet was far from a priority. “Obviously I want to do as well for myself and my family as I can – any professional in any walk of life would say the same – but the assumption that I’ve come here for the biggest wages is wrong,” he says. “I had a number of options, some at clubs already in the Championship, but Huddersfield Town appealed the most. “I heard rumours that Huddersfield were interested towards the end of last season, which was pleasing. “Then I met Lee Clark and Terry McDermott in the close-season and we had a good conversation about what they were hoping to achieve at the club. “I gave them my views on one or two things and both parties went away to have a think. We then met up again, I had a look around the stadium and the town and I liked what I saw. “My three years at Southend were great, and they’re a club I will always have a lot of time for, but the ambition of this club and the skills
of the management staff are second to none at this level. “I soon knew this was where I wanted to play my football and while going back to Southend so soon will be a bit strange, I can’t wait to get cracking.” Clarke, who skippered England as an Under 16 and went on to win eight Under 21 caps, made his Everton debut in the 3-1 win at Coventry in January 2001. He was to make 14 appearances for the Toffees, who loaned him out to Blackpool and Port Vale in 2002-03, when both were League I rivals of Town, and Coventry the season after. “Being at Everton provided me with a great grounding in the game,” adds Clarke, who has made 291 senior appearances and scored 29 goals in all. “I consider myself fortunate to have played in the Premier League – it was brilliant to be named man of the match in a Merseyside derby (the 1-1 draw at Liverpool in February 2002) – and to have played for the Under 21s alongside a few who have gone on to the full England side. “The loan stints were also great for my development, and after getting over the disappointment of leaving Everton, I was pleased to join Blackpool permanently (in a £150,000 deal in September 2004). “Things didn’t always go according to plan there, but I had a good time and I think I matured as a player while I was there. “I then made the decision to move to Southend to play in the Championship. Ultimately it didn’t work out because we were relegated (ironically Blackpool came up as the Blues went down), but I still enjoyed my time there. “In the last two seasons we’ve given it a really good go to get back into the Championship, but we haven’t been quite good enough. “Now I’m at Huddersfield and hoping to kick on and attain what we all want – promotion! ■ COMMANDING FIGURE : new skipper Peter Clarke.
WHOLESALE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Wholesale Electrical Distibutors 24 - 28 Lower Fitzwilliam Street Huddersfield HD1 6BE Tel: 01484 429441 Fax: 01484 426268 www.huddersfieldelectrical.co.uk
Page 8
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
■ DRIVING AMBITION: new boy Robbie Simpson can’t wait for 2009-10 to get under way.
POSITIVITY
ROBBIE SIMPSON takes some Spice advice By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
R
OBBIE SIMPSON is brimming with confidence and goes into Saturday’s opener against Southend promising: “Everything here just seems geared for having a ■ ROLE MODEL: the Spice Girls. great season.” The 24-year-old striker has stepped down from the Championship with Coventry City to join the Galpharm revolution and he’s no doubts he’ll soon be stepping back up again. “I’ve very optimistic,” said the Poole-born frontman, who played for both Cambridge clubs before moving to the Ricoh Arena. “There are no ifs or buts, everything here just seems geared for having a great season and we can’t wait to get cracking. “There is no negativity, everything is positive. “Steve Black, the performance coach, is brilliant in that respect. He always injects positives into the changing room and it’s brilliant to be a part of.” Simpson – who has netted against Gateshead and Macclesfield (penalty) in pre-season – knows he is entering the most
crucial part of his own career and is convinced he has made the right move. “I love it here and I really do feel the club is going places,” he said. “We’ve been playing Championship clubs in pre-season and we hope to be playing them week in and week out in the not too distant future. “Coventry weren’t actively looking to sell me, but Huddersfield came in with a good offer and I then expressed my desire to leave. “I had a few other options open to me, but once I’d spoken to Lee Clark I didn’t have any other options – my mind was made up to play for him. “The club’s outlook and the ambition of the manager is what really sold it to me. “The manager wants to take the club right through to the Premiership and he believes I can be a big part of that. “That filled me with loads of BRIGHOUSE MOTORCYCLE confidence and I genuinely feel the TRAINING CENTRE manager can develop me and make Alder Street, Fartown, Huddersfield HD1 6LD me a better player. “That’s just what I need. I am not the While he’s watching the footy you finished article and I know that, I’ve got to learn a lot to progress as a could score a goal with us. player – but I feel I can do that under Lee Clark and I feel the club can Come & learn to ride a motorcycle progress a lot under him as well.” Having played mostly on the wing for Chris Coleman at Coventry, Simpson Huddersfield’s premier training school is looking forward to playing as a Email: training@brighousetc.co.uk central striker at the Galpharm, to Web: www.brighousetc.co.uk complement the talents of Theo Tel: 0800 19 55 773
Robinson, Lee Novak and Jordan Rhodes, and to feeding off the service of widemen Anthony Pilkington, Gary Roberts and Lionel Ainsworth. “The chance to play up the middle of the park was one of the main reasons I came here,” he said. “I didn’t feel I was ever going to get the opportunity at Coventry and, to be honest, I don’t think I ever played two games on the trot for them as a central striker. “The manager here has made it clear he sees me playing ‘up top’ and I’m very happy with that, especially with the quality of the wingers we’ve got in the squad. “For the last couple of seasons I haven’t been able to enjoy that as a striker, yet here we’ve got people like Gary, Pilks and Lionel who can all go past full-backs and whip in a fantastic cross. I’ve been very impressed with them. “I reckon I can play well alongside Theo, Lee or Jordan, because I like playing alongside a quicker striker so that I can drop off the defenders and link the play. Hopefully I’ll be able to create plenty of chances for my teammates as well as scoring enough of my own. “As a frontman you always set a target of 20 goals and, hopefully, I will get past that or at least get close to it this season. That’s the aim.” Simpson has been impressed with the whole Town set-up, he believes he’ll enjoy playing in the Galpharm atmosphere and all he wants now is to make a solid start to the season. “It’s vital we get off to a good one,” he remarked. “Just like it’s difficult to change a losing mentality, it’s difficult to change a winning one as well and if we can get off to a flier then hopefully we can kick on and, perhaps, storm League I like Leicester City did last season.”
Page 9
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
All you need is
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
‘I haven’t come here because of the wages’ This club is going places says new captain Clarke By DOUG THOMSON Deputy Sports Editor
PETER CLARKE factfile AGE 26 HEIGHT 6’ WEIGHT 12st APPS 291 (10 of them as a sub) GOALS 29 FORMER CLUBS Everton, Port Vale (loan), Coventry (loan), Blackpool, Southend CAREER HIGHLIGHT Playing for England Under 21s
doug.thomson@examiner.co.uk
P
ETER CLARKE is planning to turn back time as he prepares for a new chapter in his career with Town.
The 27-year-old Southport-born centre-back started life in the Premier League with Everton, and would love to return to that lofty level. But reaching the Championship is the immediate priority for the former England Under 21 captain, who has signed a three-year Galpharm contract after leaving Southend United, Town’s opening-day opponents on Saturday. And having made a decent stab at promotion from League I in the last two seasons – Southend made the play-offs in 2007-08 and finished eighth last time around – Clarke, who was both the players’ and supporters’ player of the year at Roots Hall last season and has been installed as Town’s captain for 2009-10, is determined to make it third time lucky. “I joined Southend to play Championship football,” explains Clarke, who left Blackpool in the close-season of 2006, just after the Essex club had gone up as League I champions. “And I’ve come to Huddersfield for the same reason, because I firmly believe we are a club who are going places.” The fact that Southend finished a place above Town last term has led many to suggest Clarke is moving through personal and financial rather than footballing factors. The Goodison Park protege has admitted he was keen to return North for family reasons, but insists his pay packet was far from a priority. “Obviously I want to do as well for myself and my family as I can – any professional in any walk of life would say the same – but the assumption that I’ve come here for the biggest wages is wrong,” he says. “I had a number of options, some at clubs already in the Championship, but Huddersfield Town appealed the most. “I heard rumours that Huddersfield were interested towards the end of last season, which was pleasing. “Then I met Lee Clark and Terry McDermott in the close-season and we had a good conversation about what they were hoping to achieve at the club. “I gave them my views on one or two things and both parties went away to have a think. We then met up again, I had a look around the stadium and the town and I liked what I saw. “My three years at Southend were great, and they’re a club I will always have a lot of time for, but the ambition of this club and the skills
of the management staff are second to none at this level. “I soon knew this was where I wanted to play my football and while going back to Southend so soon will be a bit strange, I can’t wait to get cracking.” Clarke, who skippered England as an Under 16 and went on to win eight Under 21 caps, made his Everton debut in the 3-1 win at Coventry in January 2001. He was to make 14 appearances for the Toffees, who loaned him out to Blackpool and Port Vale in 2002-03, when both were League I rivals of Town, and Coventry the season after. “Being at Everton provided me with a great grounding in the game,” adds Clarke, who has made 291 senior appearances and scored 29 goals in all. “I consider myself fortunate to have played in the Premier League – it was brilliant to be named man of the match in a Merseyside derby (the 1-1 draw at Liverpool in February 2002) – and to have played for the Under 21s alongside a few who have gone on to the full England side. “The loan stints were also great for my development, and after getting over the disappointment of leaving Everton, I was pleased to join Blackpool permanently (in a £150,000 deal in September 2004). “Things didn’t always go according to plan there, but I had a good time and I think I matured as a player while I was there. “I then made the decision to move to Southend to play in the Championship. Ultimately it didn’t work out because we were relegated (ironically Blackpool came up as the Blues went down), but I still enjoyed my time there. “In the last two seasons we’ve given it a really good go to get back into the Championship, but we haven’t been quite good enough. “Now I’m at Huddersfield and hoping to kick on and attain what we all want – promotion! ■ COMMANDING FIGURE : new skipper Peter Clarke.
WHOLESALE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS
Wholesale Electrical Distibutors 24 - 28 Lower Fitzwilliam Street Huddersfield HD1 6BE Tel: 01484 429441 Fax: 01484 426268 www.huddersfieldelectrical.co.uk
Page 10
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Page 11
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
Town’s greatest side? We asked on-line fans at examiner.co.uk to name their best-ever Huddersfield Town line-up. Here’s what they said ...
Keeper: NICO VAESEN Signed for Town in 1998 from KSC Eendracht Aalst. The Belgian was sent off on his debut at Bury but went on to make 153 appearances, winning the Supporter’s Player of the Season prize in his first year. Left for Birmingham City in 2001. This vote proves how popular he was, having beaten off challenges from Steve Francis and Steve Harper to be No1.
● Compiled by GAVIN CASTLE
Right-back: MALCOLM BROWN
Left-back: TOM COWAN
Tom Johnston signed this popular player from Bury in 1977. He went on to play for Newcastle United after making 296 appearances for Town and then re-signed 1985 and made a further 107. Better crosser of a ball than David Beckham, and a certain Ian Robins owes a large chunk of his Town goals to Brown.
The only player ever to win back-to-back Player of the Season trophies. The tenacious Scot signed for Town initially on loan from Sheffield United. Neil Warnock made the move permanent and he went on to help the club gain promotion to Division I (now the Championship) in 1995. Had his own trademark victory celebration in front of the faithful.
Centre-back: DAVE SUTTON
Centre-back: KEVIN GRAY
Signed from Plymouth by Tom Johnston in 1978. Helped Town rise from the Fourth Division to the Second under Mick Buxton, making 284 starts. The Sutton-Keith Hanvey duo has to be one of the best pairings at centre-back over the last 30 years. Left for Bolton after six years future Rochdale manager ‘Sutty’ never shirked a challenge and always spoke very highly of his Town teammates.
Was Mansfield’s youngest-ever captain when Neil Warnock signed him in 1994. The deal was worth £15,000 and also involved Iffy Onuora moving in the opposite direction to join the Stags. He made 267 appearances for Huddersfield scoring six times. Gray’s nickname was Arnie, after Mr Schwarzenegger, he was exceptional in the air and very strong in the tackle.
Centre midfield: DARREN BULLOCK Not someone you’d want to bump into down a dark alley late at night, but that’s a good thing for a central midfield enforcer. Another Warnock bargain signing from Nuneaton (£55,000) who also got his fair share of goals. Made 156 appearances for Town, scoring 21 times, but had the odd disciplinary issue. Look up combative in the dictionary and there’ll be a picture of Darren Bullock.
Centre midfield: CHRIS MARSDEN Skilful, ball-playing midfielder who wasn’t scared to put his foot in either! Played 155 times between 1988-94. Had a very successful but very brief partnership with loan signing Peter Butler in 1992 before moving to Wolves for £250,000. Later shone for Southampton.
Left wing: DAVE COWLING
Right wing: PAUL DALTON
The lad from Doncaster had what can only be described as a love-hate relationship with the Town faithful. However a succession of highly important goals gained him legendary status, with big winners against Leeds, Barnsley and Newport, the last sealing promotion to Division II (now the Championship) in 1983. Played 392 times and netted 48 goals in all!
‘Dolly’ came through the Manchester United academy system and had successful spells at Hartlepool and Plymouth before joining Town in 1995 for a fee of £125,000. The skilful winger scored 27 goals in 116 games, including a memorable halfway line special against Stoke in November 1997. Take a bow Mark Prudhoe!
Manager: Mick Buxton Born in Northumberland on May 29, 1943, Buxton was appointed Town manager in October 1978 with the team third from bottom in the old Division IV (now League II). Under his guidance Town lifted the Fourth Division title two years later.This was followed in 1983 by promotion to Division II (now the Championship). By 1986 however, Town were in bottom place and Buxton was sacked two days before Christmas!
Coming soon on examiner.co.uk, your chance to vote for the worst-ever Town team ...
Striker: MARCUS STEWART
Striker: ANDY BOOTH Little need to elaborate – 150 Town goals say it all!
Brian Horton paid £1.2m for the Bristol Rovers striker and he repaid with 68 goals in 160 games. His link-up play and finishing was some of the best seen at the McAlpine. Controversially sold during the Barry Rubery era to Ipswich for £2.5m, where he played in the Premier League, showing the class that could have been on display in the blue and white stripes. Had spells at Sunderland and Preston before disappearing back to the epicentre of cider.
■ GREAT FEELING: Jim Goodwin celebrates scoring Town's first goal in last season’s 2-0 win over Scunthorpe at the Galpharm. Now the Irishman is keen to add further strikes.
By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
F
IERCE competitor Jim Goodwin believes Town are primed to hit their promotion target this season and vowed: “We’ve got no excuses!”
The experienced Republic of Ireland international played 40 times under three managers last time around and has seen enough of the club already to realise the Championship is a must. The tough-tackling midfielder accepts it will be far from easy to go up from a League I roster which looks more competitive than ever. But with half a dozen new faces in the squad and an ambitious new board under chairman-owner Dean Hoyle, the 27-year-old reckons Town have everything in place for manager Lee Clark and his staff to work with. “Promotion is definitely the target and the hope,” said Goodwin, who was a League I championship winner with Scunthorpe United. “Last season was a failure in terms of everything we set out to do at the start of the campaign. “We had a good run in the middle and another one towards the end, but it just wasn’t to be. “This time we’ve got no excuses. We have to at least make the play-offs and that’s not putting added pressure on ourselves – we just know what is expected. “We are one of the ‘big boys’ in this division and we have to underline that fact. “Huddersfield Town are far too good a team and far too big a club to be hanging around in League I any longer. “It’s about time we played together as a whole to achieve the promotion that’s needed. Enough has been talked about, it’s
‘This time there are no excuses’
JIM GOODWIN on why this is Town’s season up to us as a group of players and a staff to make it a reality.” Waterford-born Goodwin, who began his career with Celtic before playing for Stockport County and Scunthorpe, is determined to make himself a key part of Clark’s plans as soon as he returns from surgery to cure a knee problem (he should be back in training within a week). “When a new manager comes in he brings his own people and makes his own signings, and that can sometimes mean that the players who are already at the club find they don’t feature – but that’s certainly not been the case for me,” he explained. “I’ve not had any problems, things have been going along nicely for me, I’ve got a good relationship with Lee Clark and all the backroom staff and the gaffer has told me he wants me here fighting for a place. “While some people have moved on, which is inevitable, others have come in and we’ve got really good competition for places because all the new lads have impressed. “From my point of view, I’ve been told I’m wanted and, until I’m told otherwise, I’ll be
fighting as hard as anyone else to prove I’m worth a first-team shirt. “I was delighted to be as involved as much as I was last time and to play 40 games was as many as I’ve ever played in a season – so I want to keep that going. “Unfortunately we weren’t as successful last season as we should have been and wanted to be – we underachieved, definitely – but as I’ve said before we need to put that right this time.” Goodwin believes a dozen teams will fancy their chances of promotion this term and that Town’s opening two months of the season will give them a fair indication of how they rank among those rivals. “Looking at the fixture list it’s not easy – it’s a real tester this year,” said the man who earned his senior cap as a substitute for Roy Keane against Finland in Helsinki in 2002. “League I will be very difficult. The top half will all believe they can win promotion and, in the first couple of months, we play pretty much all the ‘big boys’, so a positive start is a must. “I know the manager believes we are better
set up now than we were when he came in and the new lads have been excellent up to now – everyone making them very welcome. “I think these are exciting times again for Town fans because we’ve definitely got the management, coaching staff and players in place who are good enough to get us out of this division.” Goodwin feels pre-season has gone well for himself and the squad and, while he’d like to add to his only goal for the club so far, he’s ready to take on a mountain of midfield work. “I’m just going to get my head down and work as hard as I can,” he said. “If you do that, then everything else tends to take care of itself and if we can make a good start to the season then confidence will be high. “I played more of a holding role in front of the back four last season, so my scoring opportunities were not so great, but I would like to improve my goals tally this time if the chance comes. “First off, though, my aim is to prove I’m worth a place in the starting XI and I’m working as hard as I can towards that.”
Page 10
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Page 11
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN season 2009-2010
Town’s greatest side? We asked on-line fans at examiner.co.uk to name their best-ever Huddersfield Town line-up. Here’s what they said ...
Keeper: NICO VAESEN Signed for Town in 1998 from KSC Eendracht Aalst. The Belgian was sent off on his debut at Bury but went on to make 153 appearances, winning the Supporter’s Player of the Season prize in his first year. Left for Birmingham City in 2001. This vote proves how popular he was, having beaten off challenges from Steve Francis and Steve Harper to be No1.
● Compiled by GAVIN CASTLE
Right-back: MALCOLM BROWN
Left-back: TOM COWAN
Tom Johnston signed this popular player from Bury in 1977. He went on to play for Newcastle United after making 296 appearances for Town and then re-signed 1985 and made a further 107. Better crosser of a ball than David Beckham, and a certain Ian Robins owes a large chunk of his Town goals to Brown.
The only player ever to win back-to-back Player of the Season trophies. The tenacious Scot signed for Town initially on loan from Sheffield United. Neil Warnock made the move permanent and he went on to help the club gain promotion to Division I (now the Championship) in 1995. Had his own trademark victory celebration in front of the faithful.
Centre-back: DAVE SUTTON
Centre-back: KEVIN GRAY
Signed from Plymouth by Tom Johnston in 1978. Helped Town rise from the Fourth Division to the Second under Mick Buxton, making 284 starts. The Sutton-Keith Hanvey duo has to be one of the best pairings at centre-back over the last 30 years. Left for Bolton after six years future Rochdale manager ‘Sutty’ never shirked a challenge and always spoke very highly of his Town teammates.
Was Mansfield’s youngest-ever captain when Neil Warnock signed him in 1994. The deal was worth £15,000 and also involved Iffy Onuora moving in the opposite direction to join the Stags. He made 267 appearances for Huddersfield scoring six times. Gray’s nickname was Arnie, after Mr Schwarzenegger, he was exceptional in the air and very strong in the tackle.
Centre midfield: DARREN BULLOCK Not someone you’d want to bump into down a dark alley late at night, but that’s a good thing for a central midfield enforcer. Another Warnock bargain signing from Nuneaton (£55,000) who also got his fair share of goals. Made 156 appearances for Town, scoring 21 times, but had the odd disciplinary issue. Look up combative in the dictionary and there’ll be a picture of Darren Bullock.
Centre midfield: CHRIS MARSDEN Skilful, ball-playing midfielder who wasn’t scared to put his foot in either! Played 155 times between 1988-94. Had a very successful but very brief partnership with loan signing Peter Butler in 1992 before moving to Wolves for £250,000. Later shone for Southampton.
Left wing: DAVE COWLING
Right wing: PAUL DALTON
The lad from Doncaster had what can only be described as a love-hate relationship with the Town faithful. However a succession of highly important goals gained him legendary status, with big winners against Leeds, Barnsley and Newport, the last sealing promotion to Division II (now the Championship) in 1983. Played 392 times and netted 48 goals in all!
‘Dolly’ came through the Manchester United academy system and had successful spells at Hartlepool and Plymouth before joining Town in 1995 for a fee of £125,000. The skilful winger scored 27 goals in 116 games, including a memorable halfway line special against Stoke in November 1997. Take a bow Mark Prudhoe!
Manager: Mick Buxton Born in Northumberland on May 29, 1943, Buxton was appointed Town manager in October 1978 with the team third from bottom in the old Division IV (now League II). Under his guidance Town lifted the Fourth Division title two years later.This was followed in 1983 by promotion to Division II (now the Championship). By 1986 however, Town were in bottom place and Buxton was sacked two days before Christmas!
Coming soon on examiner.co.uk, your chance to vote for the worst-ever Town team ...
Striker: MARCUS STEWART
Striker: ANDY BOOTH Little need to elaborate – 150 Town goals say it all!
Brian Horton paid £1.2m for the Bristol Rovers striker and he repaid with 68 goals in 160 games. His link-up play and finishing was some of the best seen at the McAlpine. Controversially sold during the Barry Rubery era to Ipswich for £2.5m, where he played in the Premier League, showing the class that could have been on display in the blue and white stripes. Had spells at Sunderland and Preston before disappearing back to the epicentre of cider.
■ GREAT FEELING: Jim Goodwin celebrates scoring Town's first goal in last season’s 2-0 win over Scunthorpe at the Galpharm. Now the Irishman is keen to add further strikes.
By MEL BOOTH Sports Editor mel.booth@examiner.co.uk
F
IERCE competitor Jim Goodwin believes Town are primed to hit their promotion target this season and vowed: “We’ve got no excuses!”
The experienced Republic of Ireland international played 40 times under three managers last time around and has seen enough of the club already to realise the Championship is a must. The tough-tackling midfielder accepts it will be far from easy to go up from a League I roster which looks more competitive than ever. But with half a dozen new faces in the squad and an ambitious new board under chairman-owner Dean Hoyle, the 27-year-old reckons Town have everything in place for manager Lee Clark and his staff to work with. “Promotion is definitely the target and the hope,” said Goodwin, who was a League I championship winner with Scunthorpe United. “Last season was a failure in terms of everything we set out to do at the start of the campaign. “We had a good run in the middle and another one towards the end, but it just wasn’t to be. “This time we’ve got no excuses. We have to at least make the play-offs and that’s not putting added pressure on ourselves – we just know what is expected. “We are one of the ‘big boys’ in this division and we have to underline that fact. “Huddersfield Town are far too good a team and far too big a club to be hanging around in League I any longer. “It’s about time we played together as a whole to achieve the promotion that’s needed. Enough has been talked about, it’s
‘This time there are no excuses’
JIM GOODWIN on why this is Town’s season up to us as a group of players and a staff to make it a reality.” Waterford-born Goodwin, who began his career with Celtic before playing for Stockport County and Scunthorpe, is determined to make himself a key part of Clark’s plans as soon as he returns from surgery to cure a knee problem (he should be back in training within a week). “When a new manager comes in he brings his own people and makes his own signings, and that can sometimes mean that the players who are already at the club find they don’t feature – but that’s certainly not been the case for me,” he explained. “I’ve not had any problems, things have been going along nicely for me, I’ve got a good relationship with Lee Clark and all the backroom staff and the gaffer has told me he wants me here fighting for a place. “While some people have moved on, which is inevitable, others have come in and we’ve got really good competition for places because all the new lads have impressed. “From my point of view, I’ve been told I’m wanted and, until I’m told otherwise, I’ll be
fighting as hard as anyone else to prove I’m worth a first-team shirt. “I was delighted to be as involved as much as I was last time and to play 40 games was as many as I’ve ever played in a season – so I want to keep that going. “Unfortunately we weren’t as successful last season as we should have been and wanted to be – we underachieved, definitely – but as I’ve said before we need to put that right this time.” Goodwin believes a dozen teams will fancy their chances of promotion this term and that Town’s opening two months of the season will give them a fair indication of how they rank among those rivals. “Looking at the fixture list it’s not easy – it’s a real tester this year,” said the man who earned his senior cap as a substitute for Roy Keane against Finland in Helsinki in 2002. “League I will be very difficult. The top half will all believe they can win promotion and, in the first couple of months, we play pretty much all the ‘big boys’, so a positive start is a must. “I know the manager believes we are better
set up now than we were when he came in and the new lads have been excellent up to now – everyone making them very welcome. “I think these are exciting times again for Town fans because we’ve definitely got the management, coaching staff and players in place who are good enough to get us out of this division.” Goodwin feels pre-season has gone well for himself and the squad and, while he’d like to add to his only goal for the club so far, he’s ready to take on a mountain of midfield work. “I’m just going to get my head down and work as hard as I can,” he said. “If you do that, then everything else tends to take care of itself and if we can make a good start to the season then confidence will be high. “I played more of a holding role in front of the back four last season, so my scoring opportunities were not so great, but I would like to improve my goals tally this time if the chance comes. “First off, though, my aim is to prove I’m worth a place in the starting XI and I’m working as hard as I can towards that.”