Alan Lee Vows To Fight Back To Full Fitness

Huddersfield Towns popular striker Alan Lee ended last season with a slight knee injury and has been trying to shake it off in the three pre-season ties which he has featured in. Today he has spoken about the injury as well as stating that he will fight back to be made available for Grayson to select him in the opening Championship fixture against Cardiff City;

"I was carrying a knee injury at the end of last season. Because the games were coming thick and fast, it was a case of managing it, and that limited the amount of training I could do. Then in the close-season, I was told to take four weeks’ complete rest when normally I would have been doing bits and bats on my own, which was frustrating. That meant I was slightly behind some when we came back, and while I’m a little bit rusty, I’m feeling good and trying hard to make up for lost time." 

"I’m now able to take part in all the sessions, which is saving me from some ribbing from the rest of the lads, who are keen to point out my advancing years! We’ve had a good trip to Scotland, and the friendlies so far have provided just the kind of tests we were needing. Everything is geared towards those games at Preston and Cardiff, and I’m confident I will be available for selection."

Southern To Appear Once More For Blackpool

Keith Southern became Simon Grayson's latest signing a few days ago and since he has served over ten years at his former club, Blackpool, Southern shall return to play in his testimonial as agreed on by both clubs. Grayson confirmed that this would be the case by saying;

"Keith will play the opening 15 minutes or so and perhaps the final 15. Then he can go back a month later and score the winner! It’s unusual for a player to spend 10 years with the same club these days, and I think it’s only fair he goes back for his own testimonial. He’s very well thought of at Blackpool – you can see that by the reaction of their fans to his departure – and I know he will become a firm favourite here."


"Our fans will see a really wholehearted player who has impressed in League I, the Championship and the Premier League. That experience will be invaluable to us, especially when you consider the number of younger players in our squad, but Keith has other things to offer as well. He’s a good player who is competitive and mobile and will provide that final piece of the jigsaw in the midfield area. And he still has plenty in the tank."


"Keith is also a great lad off the pitch who will fit in well here, and that’s important, because we want to maintain that team spirit. It’s good to have him on board, and we now have real options in midfield with Adam Clayton, Oliver Norwood, Oscar Gobern and Anton Robinson.  Oscar and Anton have both impressed in pre-season, and we’ve got five good players who will all have the chance to stake a claim. Nobody is guaranteed a place."


Southern left Blackpool with a year left on his contract but stated that  "I’ve achieved everything I wanted to achieve at Blackpool. I’ve played in the Premier League, had two great promotions at Wembley and I’m leaving on a fantastic note." Southern went on further to say;


"The majority of the lads in that dressing room I’ve known for a long time and they’ll be my friends forever, not just the length of time I’m in football. I’m sad to be leaving them and I’ve had some lovely texts off them about how gutted they are. But football moves forward, nothing stands still. I’ve still got a few years left in the game and I’m really excited about joining Huddersfield."

Paul Dixon Confirms Transfer To The Terriers Was The Right Move

It seems a while ago now since Paul Dixon became an official Huddersfield Town player after joining on a three year deal from Dundee United. However, today Paul Dixon has spoken about how his move from Scotland to Yorkshire was indeed the correct choice after playing in both draws in the terriers tour of Scotland;

"It was a bit strange going back to Scotland so soon. But it was good to be able to get to know the rest of the lads that little bit better, and get in some hard training, and the games were both very decent work-outs. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time at Huddersfield so far, and there’s no doubt I made the right decision in coming here. There’s a real buzz about the club, and I think all the lads are starting to think seriously about the first couple of competitive games.”

Dixon is expected to be a big part of Huddersfield Town's Championship campaign which is set to start against Cardiff City on August 17th.

 

Interview With Performance Analyst Chris Markham

We were privileged enough to get the opportunity to interview Chris Markham who is the performance analyst at Huddersfield Town. Many of you will indeed be following Chris on Twitter (@boulet_6) so we thought we would get to know his opinions, thoughts and his personal career a little bit better;

Grayson Delighted With Scotland Tour

Simon Grayson has given his own opinion on how he thought the pre-season friendlies against Kilmarnock & Hibernian went. The Huddersfield Town boss may still be without a pre-season win but he has said how delighted he is with the outcome of the Scotland tour. The terriers drew both of their games, the latest being a 2-2 draw at Eastern Road against Hibernian where Novak & Scannell netted;

"It was a good game. I thought in the first half that we played some very good stuff rounded off with two excellent goals. In terms of the general organisation and shape of the team, I was impressed and it is good to see our fitness levels improving match by match. We were up against a team up who start their League campaign next week so there were plenty of positives to take from the game and other things that we still need to work on. Our tactical play will develop over the next couple of weeks."


"We made a lot of substitutions at half time so we lost out flow slightly, but there were plenty of good individual performances. The week in general has gone well for us up in Scotland - I am delighted with the outcome."


Grayson managed to give all the new boys some game time (minus Keith Southern) including Joel Lynch who is recovering from a slight injury;


"It was good to see Joel Lynch out there for a decent period of time. He was only suffering with a little niggle before the trip and I think the fans that attended the game could see what he is all about; he was composed on the ball, defended when he had to and was very mobile."


Grayson was also pleased with the goals which were bagged in the second pre-season friendly against Hibernian. Novak slotted home the first after good play involving Rhodes before Scannell cut inside from out wide and curled the ball into the net to double the terriers lead;


"It was a good move that lead to Lee Novak’s opener, I think everybody in the ground expected Jordan to shoot, but he showed his unselfishness and laid it on a plate for Lee. Also, I am delighted for Sean to have got his first goal for the Club; I think you saw today that he is a fantastic footballer who can be a match winner."

Match Report: Hibernian 2-2 Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town travelled to Easter Road to play Hibernian in their third pre-season friendly and second in their tour of Scotland. Jack Hunt returned to the squad following his tight hamstring injury that ruled him out earlier in the week against Kilmarnock where the terriers managed to get a draw courtesy of a Jordan Rhodes goal.

The game started off very well for the Yorkshire side and just six minutes in the first chance fell to the terriers when good link up play between Novak and Scannell enabled Gobern to be found but his shot was driven wide from 20 yards out. Just four minutes later Huddersfield threatened the home sides goal yet again as Novak sent an effort goal bound that could only be pushed away by Williams.

Huddersfield were dominating the early stages of the game and Novak was in the midst of things as clever play from Adam Clayton gave the striker a few yards of space and he unleashed yet another effort but was denied again by Williams. Seconds later Novak's hard effort payed off as he gave the visitors the lead with Rhodes providing the assist. Chris Atkinson's beautifully weighted pass sent Rhodes on his way and the Scottish striker unselfishly dragged the ball back into Novak's path who only had to tap the ball into the net.

Huddersfield didn't stop their and doubled their lead just five minutes later through pacey winger Sean Scannell. Once again Novak was heavily involved with the goal as he was found by Paul Dixon before passing it to Scannell who cut in from the wing and past him man before curling his shot past the keeper. Scannell could well have doubled his goal tally for the game as a failed rebound from Hibernian fell to him but his volley couldn't find the target.

As the game progressed Huddersfield became more and more comfortable on the ball but a goal against the run of play brought the home side back into things. Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths beat Alex Smithies in the terriers goal and rippled the back of the net to the joy of the home crowd. Griffiths continued to cause Huddersfield trouble and his solo effort, after a superb turn on the edge of the area, resulted in a shot spiralling high and wide of the target.

Huddersfield started to lose their grip on the game after conceding but Novak could well have put the game beyond Hibernian on the 39th minute after yet another poor clearence from Clancy. Novak picked up the ball and immediately chose to shoot but unfortunately the ball smashed the bar and the chance was gone. The first half came to a close with Huddersfield leading the game 2-1.

Grayson chose to bring on a few fresh pairs of legs for the second half including Tom Clarke, Oliver Norwood, Antony Kay & Alan Lee. The second half began with both teams struggling to create any sort of flowing football as passes failed to reach the intended targets. It was Alan Lee who had the first half chance of the second half after Hunt and Higginbotham exchanged well but the latter's cross could only be headed wide by Lee.

Yet another great individual effort from a Hibernian player, Ivan Sproule, saw the terriers concede the two goal lead that they had deservedly obtained in the starting stages of the game. Now the game was either teams for the taking and although Huddersfield were playing the better football they were vulnerable in defence and Hibernian had punished them twice with great goals.

Alan Lee got another chance with his head after neat play from Ward enabled the winger to cross but the header from Lee yet again was off target. Alan Lee was playing well in the second half but Grayson replaced the veteran striker with Jimmy Spencer. The game died off towards the latter stages as both sides failed to create any chances and seemed to settle for the draw. The 87th minute brought a corner for the terriers and Kay could of nicked a victory but he could only copy off Alan Lee and headed wide of the mark.

The full time whistle went to end the friendly 2-2. Huddersfield are still looking for their first pre-season victory.

Rhodes Breaks Silence Regarding Team GB, Scotland & Celtic

Jordan Rhodes was very close to being selected in Stuart Pearce's Team GB Olympic football team a few weeks ago but unfortunately he narrowly missed out and was placed onto the standby list. The Huddersfield Town striker has today given everyone an insight into his own feelings about missing out on the Olympics;

"It was a huge honour even to have been considered for the Olympics, and I’ll be supporting both the men’s and women’s teams all the way. Taking part in the Games would have been a great learning experience, but it wasn’t to be, so I’ll be giving my full focus to continuing our pre-season preparations."

"Had I been involved, I’d have been away from the club for a period of time, so at least I will get a good run of training and friendlies under my belt, and that’s important."

Jordan Rhodes equalised for the terriers in Huddersfield's second pre-season friendly against Kilmarnock which ended 1-1 the other night and the striker was delighted to be back on the scoresheet;

"It’s always good to see one go in, and I thought that as a team, we did okay. We passed it about well at times, and you have to remember that because their season starts earlier than ours they are that bit ahead of us in terms of fitness and sharpness. They are a good side who won the Scottish League Cup last season, and I thought we adapted to the speed they played at pretty well."

With Huddersfield Town touring around Scotland a lot of the talk has been about if Rhodes will make the Scotland team for their World Cup campaign. Jordan answered these questions when speaking to The Examiner earlier;

"If a call to the full squad came, it would be a huge bonus, but at the moment, my thoughts are with the 21s and the European Championship qualifying campaign we’ve got on. We have two games remaining, and we know that if we win both, we’ll get to the finals in Israel next summer. I know the 21s missed out in the play-offs two years ago, when Scott Arfield was involved, so to get there this time would be fantastic."

Jordan Rhodes finished as England's top goalscorer last season and has since been linked with numerous clubs. The latest of which is Scottish giants Celtic;

"I don’t pay too much attention to the stories. I’m proud to be a professional player for Huddersfield Town, and I’m ready to continue giving my all for the club."

Southern Officially Signs For Huddersfield Town

The transfer taking Keith Southern from Blackpool to Huddersfield Town was completed last night but has now officially been announced by both clubs. Southern has been at Blackpool for ten years but Grayson has managed to get the tough tackling midfielder to join the terriers.

Southern had this to say;

"A few things appealed to me. Huddersfield Town is a forward-moving club that is going places; it’s very ambitious from top to bottom. I wanted a new challenge and now I’m certainly going to get one this season at Huddersfield. I’m really looking forward to getting started."

"I know the manager, Simon, and that was another big pull for me. I played with Simon at Blackpool and then he became manager and brought success to the Club, getting us up from League 1. He was a big pull for me to come here because I know how he works. I’ve played against most of the players here at some point, but I started out at Everton with Peter Clarke as a boy and now we’ve come more or less full circle! I know he’s done really well here as he’s a good player and I’m looking forward to getting to know him again. Hopefully we can have some successful times together."

Southern has most likely been seen by the majority of Huddersfield fans playing for Championship side Blackpool but he explained the type of player he is for all that know nothing about him;

"I’m a box to box midfielder and I love a tackle! I’m a good organiser on the pitch and I think I bring a good pedigree as I played in the Premier League two years ago. I know what it takes to get out of this League too."

"First and foremost I think Simon rates what I can do and the attributes I will bring to the Club. There are some young boys in our midfield that probably need a bit of know-how from time to time and I’m really looking forward to playing with the lads. I’m only 31, but I’ve achieved everything I want to at Blackpool; I’ve played in the Premier League and enjoyed two promotions. This move is right for everybody concerned and now I’ve signed a longer term deal here I’m looking forward to the future."

Southern will not only bring Championship experience to the squad but also Premiership experience as he was part of the squad which gained promotion into the top tier just a few years ago;

"Success comes if you have good players, but you also need organisation, structure and everyone to be pulling in the right direction. Having met some of the staff behind the scenes we seem to have a really honest group and everyone wants the same thing. The Club has momentum following promotion last season and I know how important that is from my time at Blackpool. Hopefully we can take that into the new season and have a fantastic start; if we do that, you never know what might happen."

Keith Southern All But Signed For Huddersfield

Rumours surfaced towards the end of last week that Grayson was after experienced midfielder Keith Southern from fellow Championship club Blackpool and it seems like he has indeed managed to get his man. Announced on Twitter by ex Huddersfield Town player Gray Taylor Fletcher, Southern is set to join the terriers on a three year contract for around the £300k mark.

Although nothing has been officially announced until all parts of the deal has gone through, Southern has spoke about joining Huddersfield;

"I’m leaving behind some magnificent people. I had to make a decision that was best for me, my family and my football future, and it just felt right. I don’t think there would be many other clubs I’d have left Blackpool for. Everyone knows how much respect I have for Simon Grayson."

"Time will tell whether it’s the right decision but I’m getting a lot of positive vibes from Huddersfield."

Grayson Pleased With Performance Against Kilmarnock

Simon Grayson watched his side pick up a well deserved 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock and explained to the official website that he was pleased with the performance as a whole. Grayson also explained how much of a tough test it was for his team tonight and one which will aid the entire squad to regain total fitness before the Championship campaign.

"When you come to Scotland for pre-season you know that you are behind them in terms of fitness levels because their season starts a few weeks before ours. We knew that Kilmarnock would pass it around because they are a good footballing team and they gave us a good game. It tested our current fitness levels."

"At times we were a little bit sloppy tonight, but on other occasions we passed the ball well. Our consistency on the ball will develop as our pre-season schedule progresses; we are trying to incorporate a passing game with mixing it up and going long to the attackers. I am pleased with the workout and the performances of certain individuals over the last two games."

"We made a few errors, but we have been doing tough double sessions over the last few days and had a good session this morning; so there may have been one or two who had tired legs, but there is no better way than improving your match fitness than being out there on the pitch."

Jordan Rhodes netted the equaliser for Huddersfield Town and Grayson praised the striker who scored 40 goals last season;

"It was business as usual for Jordan and hopefully his goal will be the first of another 40 goals in the upcoming season! It was a good ball in from Paul Dixon, who has got good delivery, and Jordan did the rest with his movement and header."

Joel Lynch made his pre-season debut for Huddersfield Town after becoming Graysons fifth signing of the current transfer window. Lynch failed to appear at Guiseley due to injury but it seems like the defender is coming back to full fitness according to Grayson. Right back Jack Hunt was cancelled out of the Kilmarnock game shortly before kick-off due to a tight hamstring and he will now be allowed to rest until Thursday;

"We didn't want to give Joel too long because he has trained over the last couple of days and we had to think long and hard over whether to play him tonight, but he wanted to have a little bit of game time. Jack Hunt has done work with the physios over the last few days and this morning - and he will probably join back in with the squad on Thursday. We won't be taking unnecessary risks on players at this stage of the season."

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Match Report: Kilmarnock 1-1 Huddersfield Town

The terriers travelled to Rugby Park to play their second pre-season friendly and the first of their Scotland tour against Kilmarnock. Grayson went with his entire squad minus Scott Arfield & Jamie McCombe who have stayed at home due to slight back & ankle injuries. Huddersfield fielded two strong sides in each half of the game as Grayson looked to give experience to the young players yet also keep the more experienced players fit. Jack Hunt was left out of the squad due to a tight hamstring and this was announced just before both teams started their warm up preparations.

Huddersfield immediately went under pressure from the home side just two minutes into the game as Calum Woods' pass was intercepted by Matthew Kennedy but he hit his shot over the bar from a tough angle. Kennedy was causing the terriers a lot of problems and he yet again intercepted a pass only to fire wide of Alex Smithies goal.

Oliver Norwood teamed up with fellow new boy Adam Clayton with a neat interplay of football which forced a corner upon Kilmarnock. From the corner it was Norwood who gave the terriers their first shot on goal as his curling effort from the edge of the area had to be stopped by Cameron Bell. As the game progressed it was the visitors who were starting to dominate things after being pressurised early on. Sean Scannell skipped past two Kilmarnock defenders but he could only fire his shot wide before Rhodes made Bell make yet another save to deny the striker his first goal since scoring his penalty kick at Wembley.

The terriers were however trailing after the twenty minute mark despite starting to control the game with long periods of possession. Jeroen Tesselaar crossed the ball into the box and it was Lee Johnson who volleyed it past Smithies to give Kilmarnock the lead. Kilmarnock stepped things up even further after scoring the opener and nearly got a second through Kennedy who's effort was headed away by a diving Murray Wallace. Smithies was called upon just a few moments later to keep the deficit to just one as he managed to block a Rory McKenzie effort with his legs.

Huddersfield levelled things up before half time through last seasons top goalscorer Jordan Rhodes who headed home from a brilliant cross by Paul Dixon who continually was doing well to get forward as much as possible. The whistle went for half time and Grayson employed the same strategy as what he had done at Guiseley by making nine changes to the team which gave a different look to the terriers as they re-emerged for the second half.

Good play by Kallum Higginbotham & Murray Wallace saw Anton Robinson being played through but he was hacked down by Manuel Pascali as he beared down on goal. Simon Graysons latest transfer signing in the form of Joel Lynch then made his debut for the yorkshire club as he came on to replace Murray Wallace who was having yet another strong game to follow up from a strong personal performance against Guiesley on Saturday.

Antony Kay has been written off by Town fans since promotion into the Championship but it was the experienced midfielder who came close to giving the away side the lead as he headed just wide from a Danny Ward cross. Higginbotham was in the midst of things once again a few minutes later as he linked up well with Chris Atkinson but the resulting shot from Jimmy Spencer was hit straight at Bell in goal for Kilmarnock.

The final whistle from the referee brought the game to an end in a well deserved 1-1 draw for the terriers who will have felt like they had done enough to come out as winners.

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Grayson Happy With The Guiseley Game

Although Huddersfield Town recorded a 1-0 loss in their first pre-season game of the season, manager Simon Grayson was happy with the tough test they faced at Nethermoor against non-league side Guiseley. Here is what Grayson had to say;

"It was a good game and Guiseley provided us with a very good test. I thought we passed the ball around well and as our pre-season develops the players touches and movement will sharpen up. The lads have enjoyed being back out there playing eleven a side football. We would have liked to have won, but pre-season isn't about results it is about getting the fitness levels of the players correct and working on the shape of the team."

"We played two different systems and we will have to be adaptable throughout the season. It has done some of the players a world of good to get to know their teammates better; it is ok getting to know each other in training but the match situation is completely different."

"We might stick to the same procedure of playing two different teams for each half at Kilmarnock on Wednesday and then we will look to progress things from there. Our week in Scotland will allow the players to bond away from the training pitch and we will also introduce some bonding exercises into the training sessions."

Out of the entire Huddersfield squad only Lynch, McCombe & Arfield didn't feature against Guiseley and Grayson explained why;

"Jamie McCombe has got a slight problem with his back and it looks likely that he will miss the Scotland trip as will Scott Arfield who is still recovering from his ankle injury. Joel Lynch will certainly travel with us and will hopefully be involved in the games."



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Match Report: Guiseley 1-0 Huddersfield Town

The terriers visited non-league side Guiseley for their first pre-season friendly of the new season and took with them a strong squad as Grayson promised he would do. Guiseley came out of the tie on top thanks to an early first half goal courtesy of Danny Forrest.

The first 45 minutes say Huddersfield dominate all areas of the field but were undone by a lovely Guiseley move which ended with Forrest shooting past Alex Smithies after just 15 minutes. The positives of the first half for the terriers was the ability on show by new signings Oliver Norwood and Sean Scannell. Both looked dangerous on the ball especially Scannell who managed to cause trouble down the wing despite having to receive on-field physio treatment to his ankle just 10 minutes into play.

Paul Dixon & Murray Wallace also featured in the starting XI for the first half and both looked impressive as they held their own at the back. Guiseley tried hard early on to get the breakthrough and prior to doing so, Smithies had to push away a good headed effort from James Walshaw at his near post. Huddersfield failed to threaten the opponents goal but did come close to equalising through a free kick from new boy Oliver Norwood but his curling effort went inches wide of the upright.

The other close effort for the terriers came from academy graduate Jimmy Spencer when he was superbly played through by Wallace but he could only hit his volley wide of the mark. The first half came to a close and as the teams re-emerged after a 15 minute interval, Grayson's entire lineup had changed. In this brand new eleven was newbie Adam Clayton as well as Last seasons top goalscorer Jordan Rhodes.

Although the second half wasn't as naturally flowing as the first from the terriers you could see why Grayson has brought Clayton in to play underneath him. Hard tackling & neat passes came from Clayton as he tried his best to impress and dominate the middle of the park. However, Guiseley were not giving in and they started to get lucky as Rhodes smashed uncharacteristically over the bar. Shortly after, Novak was denied by Guiseley goalkeeper Steve Drench who pushed away his drive at goal from a free kick.

Jordan Rhodes was the centre of all the second half attacks and it looked like he had equalised for the terriers with a header but an amazing near post block denied him. Things just didn't go Town's way and the final whistle went to end the first pre-season friendly with a 1-0 loss.

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Lynch Will Travel To Scotland

New transfer signing Joel Lynch will travel with the Huddersfield squad when they head to Scotland to play pre-season friendlies against Kilmarnock & Hibernian. Lynch may or may not feature in todays friendly against Guiseley at Nethermoor.

Grayson spoke about Lynch's injury to the Examiner this morning;

"Joel's problem is more of a niggle than an injury, and he could play a part this afternoon. But at this stage, there's no point in taking any risks, so it could well be that we err on the side of caution. But he'll certainly come to Scotland with us, and we're confident he will be okay for either or both of the games up there."

"We've had a tough week of double training sessions, so the lads are looking forward to a proper match. It will be a case of giving each of the players half an hour or 45 minutes."



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Paul Crichton Fills Vacant Goalkeeper Coach Role

Huddersfield Town have today announced that 43 year old Paul Crichton has been made the first team goalkeeper coach on a permanent basis. Paul joins the terriers from Sheffield United and in his playing days made over 400 appearances before retiring after 24 years as a professional goalkeeper.

Crichton has worked as a first team goalkeeping coach at various clubs such as Norwich, Sheffield United, Cambridge, Kings Lynn & Brighton and his experience is one of the main reasons as to why Grayson has chosen him to fill the vacant role. Here is what Grayson had to say about the appointment & Paul Crichton;

"We had a number of options to choose from to fill this vacancy, because most people see this as a good opportunity to work at a great football club. I know Paul from being on coaching courses with him and having spoken to people that he has worked with he comes highly recommended. He is enthusiastic, hard-working and he wants to make an impression here and do well - just like every other member of staff here."

"We also played together at Aston Villa for a short time and it does help to know him personally. This football club is special in that everybody gets on and that allows us to work very closely together to keep improving."

Crichton will be working with the likes of Ian Bennett & Alex Smithies who will both be fighting for that number one spot in the Championship. Paul had this to say;

"Obviously we all know what happened in the summer in terms of Huddersfield getting promoted and then my contract at Sheffield United expired, which gave me the opportunity to explore my options. I know Huddersfield is a good club and this is a great chance for me to work at a Championship football club that is really going places. I know the ambition that the Chairman has here and I want to be a part of it."

"I've also sat in the same dressing room as Simon and we've caught up since on coaching course, whereas Glynn Snodin lives in the same village as me. I've just met the rest of the backroom staff and they all seem brilliant too, so hopefully the transition will be quick. It will be great to work with the likes of 'Benno', Nick and Alex and I'm sure we'll have a good season together. These lads are proven and everybody has seen how good they are, so I'm looking forward to working with them and the younger pros too."

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Grayson Targets More Arrivals

Simon Grayson has already made five new signings since starting his reign at Huddersfield Town but he has stated that there are still a few more areas in which he would like to strengthen in the squad. Ever since Damien Johnson's contract negotiations fell through and he joined Fleetwood Town, Grayson has been eager to bring in a holding midfielder but interest in both Keith Andrews & Paul Green failed to go any further as they were snatched up by rival Championship clubs.

Grayson has an abundance of midfielders but it seems he still wants that guaranteed Championship quality in midfield come the start of the season;

"I'm really happy with the lads we've brought in. The squad is getting a nice balance, but there are still one or two areas we're looking at, and conversations with players, agents and clubs are ongoing."

"But they have to be the right characters, because we want to maintain the team spirit which has been a big part of our success."

Seems like Grayson has a few targets on his mind and strong rumours indicate that Ross McCormack & Lee Peltier are on the top of his agenda. Peltier was sold to Leicester from the terriers for a fee reported to be around the £750k mark during Lee Clark's reign but Grayson seems quite keen to bring the right back back to the Galpharm. On the other hand, Ross McCormack would be coming from Town rivals Leeds United where he had a successful season scoring 19 goals in all competitions.



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Grayson On Rhodes Speculation

Simon Grayson has spoke about the never ending speculation regarding the clubs top goalscorer last season, Jordan Rhodes. The Huddersfield boss is relaxed about the whole situation and spoke about how the club and Rhodes are happy with where the situation is currently at.

A host of Premiership & Championship clubs have been sniffing around the 40 goal hitman ever since the terriers gained promotion back in May and these clubs include Fulham, West Ham & Reading. Grayson had this to say;

"As far as Jordan is concerned, it's business as usual. He returned for pre-season training last Thursday and got straight down to work, which is exactly what you'd expect of a no-nonsense person like him. When you score 40 goals in a season, there is sure to be speculation. There's nothing any of us can do about that."

"But the great thing about Jordan is that he won't let it go to his head. He showed last season he can handle all the talk and go about his job, and that will carry on."

"Our stance hasn't changed – it would take a very serious offer to tempt us to sell. The chairman and I have spoken to Jordan about where we want the club to go. He's happy with the situation and so are we."

Simon Grayson is also aware of the Team GB situation where Rhodes has been placed on standby and can be called up by Stuart Pearce anytime before July 25th. This could ultimately mean that Jordan will miss a lot of pre-season football if he is indeed called up for the Olympics;

"If it happens, it happens, and we will congratulate Jordan and get on with things. Playing in the Olympics is a fantastic thing, and to have a player involved would reflect very well on this football club, especially when you think we were playing in League I last season. Jordan is certainly good enough to hold his own in that kind of company."



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Antony Kay Season Long Loan Rejected

Announced today by local newspaper The Examiner is that Huddersfield Town have rejected a season long loan for midfielder Antony Kay. The club which has made the offer is yet to be named but we do know it was not Lee Clark's Birmingham City neither was it Kay's former club Tranmere Rovers.

The midfielder that can also do a decent shift in the defence has one year remaining on his contract with the terriers after being brought into the squad three years ago under Lee Clark. He has gone on to make 119 appearances for the club which has seen him score ten goals. Kay is expected to leave the club this transfer window but it seems like the salary cap which is now in force may see him remain at Huddersfield until his contract runs out.
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Town Players Are Still Buzzing About Promotion

Huddersfield Town players started their pre-season training the other day and manager Simon Grayson says that the whole camp still has a buzz after gaining promotion at Wembley back in May. The lads first pre-season match, since their successful promotion campaign came to an end, will be against Guiseley in a weeks time and Grayson can't wait to get back into the swing of things;

"There's no doubt that winning promotion has put a real spring in the step of the players. Playing in the Championship is a fantastic challenge for us all and the players are eager to take it on. They've come back rested and refreshed but in good shape, and that means we've been able to get the footballs out straight away."

"Pre-season will be tough, but it's not the slog it used to be and the aim is to get to the first competitive match with everyone fresh and fully fit."

The only player in the squad to be returning to full fitness is midfielder Scott Arfield who picked up an injury in the play-offs but Grayson is confident he will be back in a few weeks time;

"You always get little knocks and niggles, but the aim is to make sure there are as few as possible. You have to work the players in pre-season, because it forms a vital platform for what lies ahead, but not over-work them, and hopefully, we'll get that balance right."



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Alan Lee Extends Contract

Alan Lee has today ended the speculation surrounding himself as he signs a new one year contract with the terriers and shall remain with them during this Championship campaign. The 33 year old has valuable experience in the second tier of English football where he has appeared 347 times in his career.

Whilst at Huddersfield Town, Lee has become a crowd favourite and subsequently has scored 10 times in 76 appearances including that famous goal away at Arsenal. In addition to this, Lee has superb attributes in the air which causes the back four of any team to struggle against him. Grayson is pleased to have Lee in his squad for the upcoming season;

"It's great Alan will continue with us; he's a great influence in the changing room and he gives us a different type of option in attack with his physical presence and aerial ability. He also has good experience of the Championship and I have no doubt he will help some of his younger teammates adapt to the challenges this division will bring."

Alan Lee also spoke about how he has enjoyed his time at Huddersfield Town and can't wait for the next season to begin;

"I can't wait for the season to start! Ever since the Wembley celebrations I have wanted the new season to come around. To have Cardiff City - one of my old clubs - on the opening day is terrific and it's such a lift to be promoted. We sorted the deal easily quite a while ago now and everyone has been comfortable in leaving things until today just to do the formalities. I'm so motivated and I'm not here to make the numbers up; I'm training hard to make it very difficult for the Gaffer not to start me. I'll do everything I possibly can to start the first game, but we have some very talented centre forwards here too."

"This squad can compete in the Championship, without a doubt. Some of the lads don't have the experience of the Championship, but without getting carried away we've seen teams go up and continue the momentum and we have high expectations of ourselves."


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John Vaughan Leaves Huddersfield

Long serving goalkeeping coach John Vaughan has today left Huddersfield Town and will join Lee Clark at Birmingham City in the Championship. Vaughan has been a vital part of developing young goalkeepers at the club including Alex Smithies but has today decided he needs to move on from the terriers.

Chief Executive of Huddersfield Town, Nigel Clibbens, thanked all of Johns hard work at the club since he joined back in 2005;

"Everyone at Huddersfield Town is sad to see John leave. He has done some fantastic work both in the Academy and the First Team setups since he arrived at the Club, helping to bring many goalkeepers through the ranks. We all wish him the best in his new role at Birmingham City, where he will team up with Lee Clark again."

Simon Grayson also gave his thanks to John Vaughan along with his thoughts on employing a new goalkeeper coach at Huddersfield;

"I would like to thank John for his hard work during my time as Huddersfield Town Manager; we're disappointed that he's leaving because he's been fantastic to work with and has been a key part of a very competitive and strong goalkeeping department at the Club. We all wish him the best of luck at Birmingham."

"However this happens in football and the search now begins to find a new Goalkeeping Coach ahead of the Championship season. That specific role is such a specialist job and we'll make sure we find the right person to keep developing the goalkeepers throughout pre-season and into the new campaign."
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Terriers To Face Barcelona B In Friendly

Huddersfield Town shall come up against the potential stars of football in the future as they host a friendly against Barcelona B at The Galpharm on August 8th. Its a chance for Grayson and the fans to see all the new signings in action as they face a squad from which talents such as Puyol, Iniesta & Messi have developed from.

Grayson thinks the game is incredible for the club but one in which sets a test for his current squad that he has added to for the Championship campaign;

"I think this is a fantastic fixture for us - it's going to be great to have such a world famous name come over and play us. It's great for the profile of the Club and it will be a good test for our players. I think it's a great fixture in every sense. Whenever you see a Barcelona side play at any level, you know what to expect in terms of their eye-catching style of football and we're all grateful that Barcelona are sending their B side to us for this game."

"We've been trying to get a home fixture sorted and this is a great game for our supporters to have a look at our team and the new players ahead of the League starting. Our promotion means that we'll be coming up against tougher opposition all season and this is just the right type of game to get our fans in the mood."
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Lynch: Looking Forward To Next Season

New terrier Joel Lynch gave his reasons as to why he chose Huddersfield Town over numerous other clubs including a few from the Premiership. The versatile defender stated that the club was sold to him in just 5 minutes from chairman Hoyle & manager Grayson.

He spoke to the official website this morning and here is what he had to say;

"When I first came here I met the Manager and the Chairman and straight away I had a good feeling about the place. My first impressions were so positive; within five minutes they had pretty much sold the Club to me. I've been to a few other places and this Club attracted me the most. The Chairman's ambition is fantastic and it's great that he is a supporter - it's better for the whole Club."

"I actually watched a few Huddersfield games last year and I was impressed by the team at the time, so with the new players coming in it should be even better. I've played against quite a few of the lads over the years and there are a lot of good players. I'm looking forward to meeting them and getting to know them. I'm looking forward to playing in a team that plays exciting football."

"I'm looking forward to the season; it's a new challenge. It's such a nice stadium and I'll enjoy my football here. I just want to play as many games as I can and hopefully cement my place at the back. I'd like to get in the Wales squad again and become more involved there, but that will only happen if I'm playing games for Huddersfield."

Joel Lynch played over 30 games in the Championship last season at Nottingham Forest and believes the league is going to be very difficult this year;

"I played in the Championship last year and I felt that quite a lot of the teams were similar. However, when you look around and see the players that everyone is bringing in, it looks like a tough League this season. With the players that we've brought in and the squad that was already here, combined with the Manager and the Chairman's ambition, I think we can only do well. We'll all work as hard as we can and see what happens."

Lynch is well know for his ability to not only play at centre back but can also do a very decent job at left back;

"I prefer playing at centre half, but I can do a job at left back; I enjoy both positions. I'm hard-working and I like to get on the ball - I'm not just a simple 'head it and boot it' centre half!"

Lynch will have to go against his former club pretty soon as Forest are the first team to visit The Galpharm on August 21st but Lynch only wants to get all three points for the terriers come that time;

"Obviously we play Nottingham Forest in our first home game and I'm looking forward to it. I played my old team Brighton when I first joined Forest and scored, so it would be nice if that happened again! It'll be a great evening for me."
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Joel Lynch Signs For Huddersfield Town

Its been a long wait but previously out of contract defender Joel Lynch has agreed terms with Huddersfield Town on a three year contract. The former Nottingham Forest central defender turned down a new contract at his former club which immediately lead to several clubs, including the terriers, becoming interested in the 24 year old.

Lynch moved to Nottingham Forest in 2008 and has since appeared 90 times for the club including 39 in just last seasons Championship campaign. This experience is a real valuable asset and brings huge experience to the Huddersfield squad and Grayson was extremely pleased with his latest capture;

"This is a fantastic deal for the Club, because without going into too much detail around six to eight Championship and two Premier League clubs showed a very strong interest in Joel. We've had to be patient and we've worked very hard, but it's all worthwhile and we're delighted to have him here."

"Joel is a strong, athletic, left-sided centre half who can also play at left back. He's a good age and a great lad; he was a big influence in keeping Nottingham Forest up last season. The fact that he has chosen to come to us is evidence that people are really buying into what we're trying to do here; it's a real coup for Huddersfield Town."





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Spencer To Get His Chance

Simon Grayson is ready to give regular loanee out Jimmy Spencer a chance to shine and cement his place in the Huddersfield Town squad. The striker spent his entire season last year at Cheltenham where he made a very impressive 50 appearances scoring 11 goals in all competitions.

Spencer has been a regular 'out on loan' player for the terriers and has enjoyed spells at several clubs including Northwich, Morecambe and of course Cheltenham. Jimmy had this to say a few days ago;

"Huddersfield Town is my club and I want to try and get in the first team. I have another year on my contract and I need show them what I can do."

Spencer took his goal tally into double figures last season but this couldn't avoid Cheltenham heartbreak at Wembley as their promotion campaign came to an end with a two nil defeat to Crewe. Jimmy was gutted but also pleased with his performances over the season;

"I wanted to reach double figures so I am happy to get there, but I have had chances and I should probably be on 17 or 18 at least."

Grayson gave his take on Spencer by saying;

"We've had Jimmy watched and I've been checking him out on DVD. I'm looking forward to seeing him in the flesh and he'll have the chance to force his way into our plans during pre-season."
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Allinson Extends Terriers Stay

Young goalkeeper Lloyd Allinson has today signed a new contract which will keep him at the club for a further year at least. Simon Grayson offered the contract to Allinson during the closed season and today he accepted the terms & clauses and signed on the dotted line.

Simon Grayson spoke about Lloyd Allinson to the official website;

"Lloyd has done well when he's trained with the first team and we think he has a good future in front of him. We're delighted that he's signed, but the hard work starts again for him now. Just because the young professionals have signed new deals, it doesn't mean they have made it - the hard work of trying to get into the first team starts now."

"He's got great role models here to learn from and Steve Eyre is here to work the development group hard. We'll see how he goes and the intention is to play him in development games that we'll have organised, but there is nothing better than senior league football for these lads - they learn quickly as the games mean something."

"Lloyd's loan at Ilkeston last season was great for him and we might look to do the same again, just as we might do for one or two of the other younger players here."

Allinson also gave his opinion on the new contract and stated that it was an easy decision to stay at the terriers;

"I wanted to put my name on the contract straight away. It's another year to impress and that is exactly what I want to do this season. The other goalkeepers are a big help to me. I train with Nick and he has a lot of experience to pass on, whereas 'Benno' gives particularly good advice to me. Even Alex is pretty experienced despite his age and I do great work with John Vaughan, so I have a lot of people here to help me out."

"I only played four games for Ilkeston, but I took a lot from that loan spell. When I went there I could see how much everyone wanted promotion and it puts more pressure on your shoulders as they put their trust in me, but that's what I need. I just want to keep improving in training this season. Time is on my side, so I'll be patient and try to impress - then we'll see what happens. I'm happy at Huddersfield Town."
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Clayton: I Can't Wait To Get Going

Clayton has only just joined Huddersfield Town but already he has spoke out about the reasons behind becoming a terrier as well as how ambitious the club is under chairman Dean Hoyle. Clayton joined Town this morning for an undisclosed fee on a three year contract;

"It's the ambition of the place to be honest; once the Manager called me and I came down to meet the Chairman it was obvious. Everything about Huddersfield Town is moving forward and I want to go to the same place as the Club - I think this is a great place to achieve that."

"I want to play in the Premier League; I'm young and ambitious and I think this is an ambitious team too. I think the Club and I can grow together. I can't wait to get going. I was in this league last year and there's nothing to fear about the Championship. People have seen what Southampton and Norwich have done and although I'm not saying that we'll go straight up - I'm not getting carried away - I think the ingredients are here for us to do well."

Clayton is reunited with former manager Simon Grayson who he played under whilst at Leeds United;

"Obviously I've worked with Simon and 'Snods' before and I know how we works day-to-day. I've worked with Ian Miller for even longer as he was at Manchester City with me. We got on well as they are great people to work with and I enjoyed my football under them, which I'm sure can be the same again. Steve Eyre is a good friend of mine too - he's been coaching me since I was nine years old. I know I'm going to enjoy the day-to-day work and that's the most important factor for me when you join a new football club, because it will mean you play your best football."

"The Chairman is infectious; he's a top man. He really speaks the truth and lets you know exactly what's going on at the Club. After meeting him, and knowing the staff here, it was a no-brainer really. I like to do a bit of everything in central midfield. Carlisle deployed me in quite an attacking role, but when I first arrived at Leeds it was quite a defensive one. I like to do both; I can get my goals in but I like a tackle too."

Clayton will join a completely new squad but insists that he will start to feel completely at home with the terriers;

"As soon as you get in the dressing room it will soon feel like home. I'm sure I'll get some stick about what I wear, but I'll give some back! I can't wait to get the first training session done."

Clayton Switches From Rivals To Join Town

Huddersfield Town have this morning announced the signing of midfielder Adam Clayton on a three year contract for an undisclosed fee. He joins from West Yorkshire rivals Leeds United after being placed on the transfer list due to contract re-nogiotiatians fell through between the player & the club.

Clayton is reunited with Town manager Simon Grayson and brings excellent ball playing qualities to the squad along with both the ability to act as an attacking midfielder or defensive midfielder. Clayton is a former England U20 international and joined Leeds United from Manchester City in a spell which saw him appear 43 times in the Championship, scoring 6 times for Leeds United.

Simon Grayson spoke about the newest signing this morning;

"Adam is a good footballer. He handles the ball and has a good energy about him - he had a great season last year and scored some important goals. We're delighted to have got him. He's a player I admired when he was at Carlisle and Manchester City and we're delighted to secure his services to this football club. I think it shows our intent in the level of players we want to sign."

"I think we need to score goals from all areas of the pitch. We can't just rely on the strikers to do it; we need the wide players, the centre halves and the midfield players to chip in. Now we have players who are capable of getting into the box and that can contribute in set-piece situations."

"We can't simply rely on Jordan to get us another 40 goals this season, just as we can't rely on the other strikers. We need goals from all areas of the pitch and Adam has that capability, but he also has other sides to his game that I've seen when I've worked previously with him."

"I think things are moving along nicely in all departments. You have to strike a blend and get the partnerships right all over the pitch and we are still working hard behind the scenes to get one or two other things done. We're looking to keep improving all the time, but we're getting the right ingredients for a really decent squad. With losing Damien Johnson and Tommy Miller, we did feel we needed players in the midfield area and we've brought two young, hungry players in with Adam and Olly Norwood. It's also great that they both have experience of the Championship; Adam played all last season in the Championship and Oliver played half a season for Coventry, so we will only benefit from that experience."

Bennett On Huddersfield & The Championship

Ian Bennett signed a new contract yesterday that shall see him remain at the club until the summer of 2014. At 40 years of age, Bennett may be seen as 'knocking on' but the veteran proved exactly why he deserved a new contract with his amazing performances last season. Benno spoke to the official website about Huddersfield Town, his future at the club and of course promotion;

"It's great that I've got my new contract sorted, because I want to finish my career at the Club. If I hadn't managed to come to an agreement with Town I think I would have probably started on a coaching career instead, but it's great that I can continue. I feel really at home at the Club."

"The Club asked me what I thought at the end of the campaign and I think I'm strong enough to keep playing. Obviously I'll monitor my own condition like I always do, but the Club obviously feels I warranted a two year deal and that's great news for me because I want to play a big part as it continues to progress over the next two seasons."

"Everyone is still on a high at the Club following promotion and having played at this level before I think our squad can definitely compete at this level, particularly given the additions the manager has made already. It's going to be a great division to play in this season - a lot of the other teams play in the same style as us and that will only help. If we start the season well, I think we might surprise a few people. You never know where a good start can take you."

"All the goalkeepers at the Club could go away at the end of the season feeling great, because we all contributed to the team's promotion. I played quite a few games and Alex played such a huge role in the final, but everyone contributed because we all push each other so hard during training. We all get on very well; we're a real close-knit bunch."

"I keep getting asked how disappointed I was to miss the Final through injury and obviously it was a shame, but I was particularly pleased for Alex - he deserved to finish on a high after a season that started with such a low point due to his injury."

Its great to have a goalkeeper such as Bennett at the club and for at least two more years we shall continue to see him throw himself around for the cause.

Ian Bennett Signs New 2 Year Contract

Its been coming for a while now and finally today, Ian Bennett has signed a two year contract which shall see the experienced goalkeeper remain at the club until at least the summer of 2014. Bennett has made 72 appearances for the terriers since joining the club in 2010 and he also played a huge role in ensuring Town gained promotion into the Championship by appearing in both semi-final legs against MK Dons.

Injury struck Bennett in the second leg of the semi-finals and this saw him lose his goalkeeping spot to youngster Alex Smithies but his vital saves in the first leg will be remembered by Town fans for a long, long time.

Simon Grayson spoke to the official website regarding the new contract and also showed his delight in having Bennett in the squad;

"It's brilliant news. 'Benno' showed last season what a fantastic goalkeeper he is and he has such influence both on the pitch and around the dressing room with the younger goalkeepers and the rest of the squad. His experience is invaluable and he still has the hunger and desire to be in the team next season."

"We certainly like what we saw of Ian last season, both professionally and in terms of personality, so it's great that a deal has been done. I'm just surprised it's not a four year deal knowing 'Benno'! Everybody was disappointed for him when he missed the Final through injury, but instead 'Benno' was absolutely delighted for Alex. The goalkeeping union here work so closely together and really push each other, so I'm delighted to have him around."

"Alex has such potential, but it's vital that he has people to guide him and to look up to and here he has John Vaughan, Nick Colgan and Ian. He knows he can't rest on his laurels with that standard of competition around, as do the younger lads. It's great to have that level of competition in the group."

Rhodes On Standby For Team GB

Jordan Rhodes has not made the final 18 man squad named by Stuart Pearce for Team GB who shall represent the footballing talent in the London Olympics. Although finishing the top goalscorer in the whole of England, Rhodes didn't make the squad but shall have to settle for being on standby in case any players drop out of the squad before 25th of July.

Undoubtedly Rhodes shall be disappointed by not making Team GB but its a fantastic achievement by the Scottish international to even make the 35 man squad especially when he has played all his football in the third tier of English football.