Grayson Expects His Team To Bounce Back

Simon Grayson watched his team lose a goal advantage over Watford at The John Smiths Stadium yesterday and although admitting that his team were below par he remained calm and professional in his post match interview;

"It was always going to be a difficult game and we tried to warn everyone beforehand. We came into the game as favourites and you have to be right at, but today we were below par. The players did ok, but didn't do enough to win the game. We didn't get close enough to them when they had the ball and when we had it we didn't pass it well enough. That is what the Championship is all about, if you aren't at it, you will get punished."

"I thought at 2-2 we could have hung in there or nicked a winner, but it didn't work out like that. I am disappointed but I would have settled for where we are after eight games, at the start of the season."

A dubious penalty decision lead to the game winning goal for Watford as Ward was judged to have fouled Foresteri in the area by the linesman and Grayson gave his own thoughts on the penalty;

"I have seen the penalty again and Danny has made a tackle and not won the ball and the lad has gone over his leg. If the incident had been in the other box I would have been screaming for a penalty. I think it was the correct decision and sadly for us it cost us an opportunity to win the game. It was a tough match. They overloaded us in midfield and we could never get a foothold in the game, we didn't have that zip about us. We will draw from the positives and the negatives and move on to Tuesday night."

Jermaine Beckford made his debut for the terriers in front of the Town faithful and Grayson was happy to see him getting involved in the game even though he didn't look fully fit;

"I thought he did ok. He looked a little ring-rusty though. He had been banished to the under-21s at Leicester before moving, so he was lacking a little bit fitness wise. He will get better game by game and when the ball is around the 18 yard box he will cause problems. He will score us goals during the three months that he is here, there is no question of that."

Alan Lee scored Towns second goal yesterday after replacing Beckford for the final twenty minutes and Grayson played tribute to the frontman;

"We know what Alan will bring to the team. He has plenty of enthusiasm and will work defenders hard and today he has produced a fantastic finish to get us back into the game. The whole place was lifted by his goal, but sadly that soon disappeared."

Beckford will unfortunately be unable to play against Leicester City on Tuesday so Vaughan is expected to come back into the starting XI if he can recover from his slight injury;

"We will assess James over the next 48 hours and see how fit he is. We want him to be involved because he has been immense since he joined us. If playing him on Tuesday will risk him being out for longer, than we won't do it."

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Match Report: Huddersfield 2-3 Watford

The terriers went in search for their third successive win after two very impressive away victories at both Hillsborough & Bloomfield Road. With the new arrival of Jermaine Beckford the terriers went into the game as favourites for the first time in The Championship this season. Grayson stated that this game would be the toughest test for his team to date and announced a side with just one change;

Town starting XI; Smithies, Dixon, Clarke, Gerrard, Hunt, Ward, Norwood, Southern, Clayton, Novak, Beckford.

Huddersfield started the liveliest of the two games and soon enough Beckford was causing the visitors problems as Hunt played him in behind the back four only for his cross to be deflected wide for a corner. Southern could well of given the terriers the lead with just five minutes on the clock as his headed effort was cleared off the line by a Watford defender. The game was already looking scrappy as Troy Deeney shrugged the strong Anthony Gerrard off the ball before the Liverpudlian was forced to recover and put in an impressive block.

Italian Marcos Cassetti was playing on the right wing for Watford and was causing Town a lot of problems. In the 20th minute he got his first shot away on Smithies goal after cutting inside Paul Dixon and unleashing a fierce shot which whistled wide of the goal. Peter Clarke allowed Fernando Forestieri to get the better of him two minutes later as he broke the offside trap before but could only swing his effort wide of the mark.

Watford were growing with confidence as the game went on but they were given a serious knock back when Oliver Norwood gave the terriers the lead. Jermaine Beckford played a pivotal role in the opener as he drew the foul from Almen Adbi which gave Norwood the opportunity to shoot from the resulting free kick. Norwood smashed in the free kick which couldn't be stopped by former Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia even though he managed to get a full hand to the ball but could only push the ball into the corner of the goal.

Watford still were playing slightly better than Town but nearly went two behind as Jack Hunt chipped over the Watford defence for Novak to collect but Almunia kept his side in the game with an impressive low save.

Half Time: Huddersfield 1-0 Watford

The visitors came out after the interval in full flow and were often pushing Huddersfield onto the back foot. The ever dangerous Forestieri gave the terriers a scare as he created some space for himself only to slice his effort way wide of Smithies goal. It took up until the 60th minute for Huddersfield to create their first chance of the second half once again through Oliver Norwood. His effort on goal was deflected clear by Watford before new boy Beckford fired straight at Almunia.

Watford got a deserved equaliser in the 69th minute as Forestieri shot from the edge of the area only for it to get a big deflection off skipper Peter Clarke which gave Smithies no chance in goal. Grayson brought on Alan Lee & Scott Arfield whilst taking off Jermaine Beckford who received a warm applause as he left the field of play. The game slipped into the final ten minutes and what a final ten minutes it was.

Firstly, Watford took the lead when some poor defending from the terriers allowed Fitz Hall to tap in at the back post. The game looked past Huddersfield Town now but literally 30 seconds later Alan Lee levelled things up with a superb headed goal after Novak's excellent cross. The game had swung in the terriers favour and it was now them that were looking likely to get all three points but just a minute later Forestieri dived to the ground in the penalty box to win the Hornets a penalty.

The decision looked very harsh as Forestieri was obviously playing for the penalty but there was contact and after talks with the linesman, the referee pointed to the spot to the disgust of the home fans. Deeney stepped up to smash the penalty in and give Watford the lead. The visitors saw the game out very well as the terriers suffered their first home defeat in the Championship this season.

Full Time: Huddersfield 2-3 Watford

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Beckford Ready To Work Hard

Jermaine Beckford has spoken for the first time since his arrival from Leicester City on loan last night. The striker has fallen out of favour at the Foxes since the arrival of Pearson and now has a chance to show what he is worth at Huddersfield Town. Under Simon Grayson and his backroom staff, Beckford was one of the most prolific goalscorers in English football but has since has failed to impress at Leicester City.

A brief spell at Everton in the Premiership has given the striker some much needed experience of how things are in the top leagues and now Beckford is ready to fight for his place and most importantly score goals for Huddersfield Town;

"I'm delighted we've got the deal over the line and now I'm looking forward to actually getting out there and showing everyone what I'm about and what I can do. I just want to be playing games, but it is just one of those unfortunate situations where I was pushed down the pecking order. That is football."

"I hope I can showcase what I can do here and get a few goals to help maintain this amazing run Huddersfield Town has been on. Obviously I've worked with the Manager, 'Snods' and 'Dusty' before and when I heard they were interested in bringing me in and giving me a chance to play it was almost a no-brainer. We have such a good relationship and I know exactly what type of football they like to play, which suits me."

"The technical staff wants me to do what I do; come in, enjoy the games and get some goals. That's what I'm looking forward to doing. I've played with a few of the lads here too and I've probably played against all of them, so we all kind of know each other one way or another. I'm looking forward to getting in with them and fighting in their corner."

With both strikers at Huddersfield Town on great form, Beckford understands that he may have to wait a while before being given a chance at showing the fans what he can do;

"I'm not here to try and push anyone out or ruffle any feathers, I'm here to dig deep, work hard and hopefully get a few goals and a few assists to get the other boys on the score-sheet. It's been an amazing run the Club has been on and they've probably exceeded expectations and I hope it continues."

"I'm excited about the Watford game. My last game was on 1 September and I'm excited to say the least! If I'm involved then brilliant, but I understand football and I'm not expecting to come in and take anyone's spot, like I said. I'm just happy to be given this chance."

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Norwood More Than Happy Being A Terrier

Oliver Norwood joined Huddersfield Town from Manchester United in the summer after enjoying numerous loan spells out at other Championship clubs such as Coventry City and the midfielder is now happy to have left the red devils to come to the Yorkshire club. Norwood has already netted twice for the terriers in the last two games and with Huddersfield sitting pretty in second spot with the opportunity to go top with a win against Watford today, Norwood is sure that he has progressed his career to the next step.

Norwood has always been open in admitting that Huddersfield Town have made him feel welcome at the club from the moment he signed on the dotted line and when his boy hood club, Burnley, came to Town he knew for sure that The John Smiths Stadium was where his future lied in football;

"Burnley have always been the club I support. I had a season ticket when I was younger and I could see Turf Moor from my mum and dad's house when I was growing up. So, when I saw the fixtures and Burnley were our second home game then I felt really excited. I'd played against them last season for Coventry City when I was on loan, but it didn't mean as much as this year because I am a Huddersfield player now."

"I really wanted to win as I knew a load of my mates were going to be in the away end that afternoon. They gave me a bit of stick during the game. I can't repeat what it was but it wasn't nice. And these were my mates, don't forget. So, when we scored from a corner, I couldn't resist turning round and giving them a little wave. It was a bit of banter but I also think it showed me how much at home I already felt at Huddersfield. Leaving a club like United isn't an easy decision but I felt it had to be made. And, so far, it has been a dream move for me."

"Results have been good and the team has come together well, while the spirit in the camp is fantastic. Everyone is loving their football."

Norwood had a tough decision to make when he left behind 14 years of being a Manchester United player in the summer but with him failing to get just one first team appearance for the club he knew it was time to move on;

"You get to the point where you get fed up of not playing for the first team. I also saw how well all the lads did over at Hull. I grew up with lads like Corry Evans, James Chester and Joe Dudgeon, who will all tell you that the best thing they did in their careers was sign for Hull. I looked at them and thought, 'I fancy a bit of that'. Loans are okay but they can also be tough. I went to Scunthorpe at the start of the year. I was on my own in an apartment in Scunthorpe, which with no disrespect, is not the nicest place I know."

"I was stuck in there after training every day, spending 12, 13 or 14 hours on my own. It made things tough. I decided in the summer that I wasn't going to sign a contract. The big thing about United is they teach you that it is a big wide world out there; every man for himself. They teach you all those lessons, so when you do leave then you are equipped. We all know what to expect. Having said that, it was still a big decision to leave. I'd been there since I was seven so you get into the way of how things are done at United."

"It is every kid's dream to play for the club. They are the biggest one in the world and I have nothing but fantastic things to say about how I was brought up there. So to walk away was a tough decision but it had to be made for the good of my own career, and at the minute, it feels like a great decision as Huddersfield is turning out to be a great move. I did have other options as Barnsley were in for me. I spoke to Keith Hill and his assistant. They put across their plans for the club. But then I spoke to the manager and chairman here at Huddersfield and that made my mind up."

"I wanted to be at the top of the league and there was a real ambition here. Our league position shows that. I want to push on and play in the Premier League one day."

The terriers will go top with a win today against Watford at home and coming off two very impressive 3-1 away victories against Sheffield Wednesday & Blackpool means they will be favourites for todays clash at The John Smiths Stadium.

"We want to do something this season and I think we have shown already that we are able to compete with anyone. Monday was a massive result for us. I think it sent out a statement. I said before Sheffield Wednesday that we are not in the league to make the numbers up. Blackpool have been in the Premier League and they are up there in this league, year after year. They were unfortunate not to go up last year."

"But we went there with our game plan and got at them. We showed that we have some real quality here. What we must now do is do the same against Watford, as anything less and we will get beat."

Norwood is set to make yet another first team start for Huddersfield under manager Simon Grayson and the lad deserves all the credit he is currently receiving. Alongside both Southern & Clayton he has flourished in the middle of the park and has shown off his abilities from set pieces as well as having the eye to play a defence splitting pass. Oliver has a very bright future ahead of himself if he carries on the way he has been playing.

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Beckford Signs For Terriers On Loan!!

We have finally got him. Jermaine Beckford was all but signed on transfer deadline day for Huddersfield Town but with just five minutes to go, Leicester City pulled a plug on the deal to the annoyance of many. However, Grayson has never given up the chase and today he has got his man, Beckford, on an emergency 93 day loan from the Foxes. The prolific striker is available for the game tomorrow against Watford and Grayson is delighted with his latest capture;

"Jermaine is a good footballer and he adds something different to the squad. The players we have at the squad all have different qualities and Jermaine is a natural goalscorer, his record speaks for itself. Having that variation in the squad is perfect for me as Manager as it allows the team to adapt to different situations. I want competition for places and the addition of Jermaine gives us strength in depth, hopefully he can help us build on the successful start we have made to this season."

"Everyone at the Club has had a tough time trying to get this deal over the line; not just on August transfer deadline day, but also in the last 24 hours. Jermaine comes straight into the squad for Saturday's game against Watford." 

We here at HTFC Hub are absolutely buzzing with Beckford signing on loan but what's your opinion? Comment below.




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Grayson 'Going To Be Our Hardest Game'

Simon Grayson has given his pre-match interview for the game tomorrow against Watford and has admitted that although the terriers may go into the match as slight favourites, it will be Towns toughest test in the Championship so far. Huddersfield will look to build upon two away wins against strong sides that has seen them sitting pretty in second spot in the second tier of English football but Grayson will not allow for any complacency just because of their current league standing;

"We have started the season very well and we should really go into every game as the underdogs because we are new to the division, but by producing the performances that we have recently the profile and expectance level of the team has raised. Despite that, the players need to carry out every instruction that they are given, like they have done for the first seven games of the season. We can't just turn up and expect to beat Watford because of our league position; this is probably going to be our hardest game. We are probably going to be very slight favourites, but we can't forget that they have got a lot of good international players within their squad."

"The players have been told that they can't let their standards slip, if anything they have to go through the roof to increase our level of performance. It is a big incentive for the players to know that they could go top with a victory. For the individuals within the team their biggest incentive is to play well and keep their shirt. They know that if they underperform then someone will take their place for the Leicester game."

Gianfranco Zola is the current manager of Watford and is highly respected by Grayson for what he did as a footballer at Chelsea. He has put his own 'italian touch' on the Watford side since arriving in the summer but is finding things tough as his side sit in the bottom half of the league;

"He was a fantastic footballer for Chelsea and the English game and would often run rings around me! He did well in management at West Ham and has now got a new opportunity at Watford. I think it will be a little while until he gets a settled side playing the way he wants, but they have got some very good players."

Grayson finished off his interview by giving the fans an update on the fitness of Adam Hammill as well as reflecting on the performance put on display by Anthony Gerrard on Monday night;

"I thought Anthony did everything that we brought him to the football club to do on Monday night. He was very vocal at the back and he and Clarkey dominated in defence and when he had to put his body on the line to make blocks, he did that. The whole defence kept a rampant Blackpool team very quiet and they deserve massive credit for that. Anthony has been patient and waited for his opportunity, which he has grasped."

"Adam will probably miss the game with his knee injury. It is nothing too major, but it is just taking a little bit longer to settle than we first thought. We have taken a couple of knocks from Blackpool, as we do with every game, but I don't want to divulge that information."

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Gerrard Urged To Take His Chance

After a stunning display on Monday night against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road, Anthony Gerrard is all set to make his home starting debut at The John Smiths Stadium when Huddersfield Town clash with Watford on Saturday. Simon Grayson has voiced his opinions on the defender and has let him know what he needs to do in order to become a regular starter in the terriers side;

"Anthony Gerrard has shown what he is capable of doing. He is composed in possession of the ball and very strong in the air, and he formed a good partnership with Peter Clarke the other night in what was a very pleasing performance from all the team."

"That's why I brought Anthony to the club, because he is a leader and an experienced type who just wanted to play games. It's great for him to settle into the team so quickly and, with Joel serving his suspension, there is an opportunity for him. That's what players have to do. When they get the opportunity they have to grasp it and that's what Anthony has done."

The manager also gave a strong indication that regardless of who he may bring to the club, they will not be immediately into the starting XI due to the way his squad are currently playing;

"As I've already said, anyone coming into the club at this stage probably wouldn't get into the team because of what the starting XI are doing. It makes it easy for a manager when you are winning because the players want to play. They would be playing five days a week, or seven days a week if they were given the choice, because they know they are playing well and they are enjoying themselves."




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Smithies Signs Contract Extension

Today, Alex Smithies has signed a contract extension with Huddersfield Town which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2015. The 22 year old had an injury hit season last year in League One and lost his number one spot in the goals to veteran Ian Bennett before coming off the bench in the second semi-final leg to pull off some incredible saves against MK Dons. The youngster then got lucky as Bennett was deemed unfit to play in the Play-Off final at Wembley but he didn't disappoint as he went on to become a hero to all Town fans by both saving and converting penalties in a thrilling penalty shootout.

Smithies has impressed even further now in The Championship and has been a vital part of the team which has seen the terriers take second spot. Grayson gave his reaction to Smithies contract extension earlier today;

"We want to keep our quality players and we're delighted that Alex has agreed to stay at Huddersfield Town for the long term. I think he can see the progression of the Club on and off the field and as a local lad he has a passion and drive to add to that success. He's suffered with niggling injuries over the last couple of seasons, but he's come back in great shape this year and he's started the season well."
 
"The good news for everyone is that goalkeepers generally get better with age and he has played a lot of games for a 22 year-old. He's a very hard worker on the training pitch with our Goalkeeping Coach Paul Crichton and he has two other experienced goalkeepers to learn from in Ian Bennett and Academy Goalkeeping Coach Nick Colgan."

Smithies admitted that the contract extension was easy to accept and was very pleased with how quickly it was all resolved;

"There's obviously a lot of momentum behind the Club at the moment following our promotion to the Championship and I want to make sure I am a part of it. This Club is moving forward quickly and everyone is so excited about what could happen here. I'm glad my contract extension has been resolved so quickly and easily, as I want to focus entirely on my football. It's been great to play all the games so far this season, but with the competition we have for places here means that you have to be at it every single day. I feel fit and well, so my sole focus is on keeping my performances at a high level."

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Match Report; Blackpool - Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town travelled to Bloomfield Road for a tough test against one of the favourites in this league to gain promotion into the top flight. Grayson has strong links with Blackpool after both managing and playing for the club and has played an instrumental role in getting them to where they are today.

Huddersfield announced their starting line up fourty-five minutes before kick off with just one change being made by Grayson as the suspended Lynch was replaced by Anthony Gerrard.

Town starting line-up; Smithies, dixon, P.Clarke, Gerrard, Hunt, Ward, Southern, Norwood, Clayton, Vaughan, Novak.

The terriers started very impressively and were quick out of the starting blocks as they set up their stall to play the long ball game which gave Blackpool immediate problems. Vaughan flicked a ball on with his head which Novak was inches away from latching onto behind the seasiders back line. Clayton then fired wide moments later which was closely followed by two counter attacks from the away side which were woefully wasted by poor crosses by Novak.

Huddersfield continued to push forward as Blackpool gave away the ball in dangerous positions and the terriers forced a corner in the 11th minute which Gilks punched away. However, the goalkeepers punch was a poor one which fell into the feet of Ward on the edge of the area. The winger fired in a quick shot which forced Gilks into making his first save of the match as he pushed it away with a diving save.

Huddersfield Towns pressure did finally pay off two minutes later and it was from a Peter Clarke long ball which opened up the Blackpool defence yet again. The skipper hoofed a ball upfield which Vaughan did superbly to nod on over the head of Baptiste and into Novaks clever run. The striker coolly slotted home after bearing down on goal under heavy pressure to make it two goals in two games. Blackpool were starting to look even worse now, passes were going astray and they just couldn't clear their lines as the terriers continued putting pressure on the tangerines in every part of the pitch.

Norwood threatened the goal from a free kick as the terriers looked to double their lead but Blackpool were finally starting to look a top side as Ian Holloway typically urged his team to press forward in attack. Ince had been the obvious threat for the home side from the start of the game but he could only head straight at Smithies after getting onto the end of a Tiago Gomes cross. The terriers broke away immediately through Danny Ward as the winger raced up the right wing with the ball at his feet. Vaughan was in support but Ward only had eyes for the goal as he cut inside and tried to bend one into the corner of the goal. Unfortunately it went a couple of yards wide of the mark but the intent was there for everyone to see and Ward was proving exactly why Grayson rates him so highly.

Blackpool started to string more and more passes together and they ditched the ball into the area looking for Ince in the 27th minute. The forward had his back to the goal when he brought down the ball in the area but some sleek skills earned him half a yard on Anthony Gerrard and he placed it across the six line area for ex Huddersfield Town midfielder, Gary Taylor Fletcher to place past Smithies and give Blackpool the equaliser.

The game started to ebb and flow from one end to the other as both Gomes for Blackpool & Clayton for Huddersfield wasted opportunities that could of given their side the lead. With just a minute of the half remaining, Jack Hunt earned the terriers a free kick wide on the right hand side and Norwood swung in a delivery which was met fiercely by the head of James Vaughan who found himself unmarked just seven yards from the goal. There was no chance the striker was going to miss and his fierce header rocketed into the back of the net as he ran away to celebrate in front of the Town faithful who had been in good singing voice all night.

Half Time: Blackpool 1-2 Huddersfield Town

The terriers came out in the second half just as they had done in the first and it only took a couple of minutes before they got their third goal of the game. Scottish international Paul Dixon was knocked to the floor as he burst forward down the left wing and earned his side a free kick. Norwood immediately stepped over the ball and looked to swing it into the box and did exactly that but with noone getting a touch on the ball and the goalkeeper failing to connect with his punch the ball flew into the far corner of the goal. Norwood had made it two in two just like Novak and the terriers were looking dominant now with a two goal lead over Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

It didn't take Huddersfield long to find the net yet again as Vaughan put the ball past Gilks but it was ruled offside to the disbelief of the away fans as replays showed he had been level when the ball was played through to him. Blackpool then broke through the Town defence themselves as Ince ran with the ball at his feet but an excellent tackle by Dixon denied the striker any chance of making Smithies make a save. Blackpool were trying to get back into the game as the minutes ticked by and Baptiste could of brought a goal back for the tangerines as he got onto the end of a Gomes free kick at the back post but he could only head over the bar.

Norwood's delivery from set pieces had been deadly all game and there was nothing different when he whipped in another free kick which had been won by Adam Clayton. His delivery this time was deep but Clarke nodded it back across the front of goal and onto the had of James Vaughan but he miraculously missed the target from just a couple of yards out. This chance sparked a reaction from Ian Holloway who threw both Kevin & Matt Phillips into the game which totalled four Blackpool strikers on the pitch.

M.Phillips was immediately into the action and burst past Jack Hunt before cutting inside and firing inches wide of Smithies post. However, with Blackpool throwing strikers onto the field it left the tangerines short at the back and Vaughan nearly made them pay after receiving a clever ball from Clayton and breaking away from the Blackpool defence. Vaughan once again slotted it past Gilks but once again his goal was disallowed due to being offside.

Time was slowly ticking away now for Blackpool but they just couldn't create any goalscoring chances as the terriers started to see the game out by keeping hold of possession. They could well have guaranteed all three points when Clayton lifted it over the Blackpool defence but substitute Scannell couldn't direct his header goalwards.

Huddersfield had just one more attack to defend as a Blackpool corner lead to a goalmouth scramble as Gerrard put his body on the line with a fully hearted block on the edge of the six yard.

Huddersfield saw the game out very well in the end and finished the stronger side to take all three points and second spot in The Championship!!

Full Time: Blackpool 1-3 Huddersfield Town
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Grayson Thrilled As Huddersfield Take Second Spot

Simon Grayson had to watch one of his previous sides, Blackpool, be swept aside by his current side, Huddersfield, as the terriers put yet another three away goals past one of the favourite teams for promotion. Huddersfield recorded their second away win in just five days and took second spot in The Championship as they swept aside The Tangerines at Bloomfield Road, beating them 3-1.

Grayson couldn't hide his delight after the game but he stated that neither him or his team will be getting carried away with themselves anytime soon;

"We have made a good start to the season and it is nice for the supporters that we are currently second. We won't be getting carried away though because it is a tough division and there are 39 games to go. To come here and get the result that we did is brilliant."

"We don't fear anyone in the division, but we do respect them. We have got individuals who are thriving being in the Championship and are enjoying every minute of it. The supporters are showing their appreciation of what we are trying to do – and everyone just needs to enjoy it. There are going to be some dark days, but you can't beat night's like tonight."

"Everybody will look on tonight and think that all we have to do is turn up against Watford and we will win the game, but football doesn't work like that. We will prepare thoroughly for the game and show the same endeavour, desire and hunger because we will get results if we do that."

The likes of James Vaughan, Oliver Norwood and Danny Ward showed exactly why they are so highly rated by Grayson last night as all three put in quality performances but Grayson praised the entire team/squad for the hard work they all put in;

"The players are working extremely hard for their shirt at the moment. Players like Danny Ward and James Vaughan can hurt teams with the ball but the work they are doing off it at the moment is first class. The reason why we won the game tonight is because of our work off the ball."

"We have got fantastic options in the squad. Tonight I had the likes of Sean Scannell and Scott Arfield to introduce and we were also without Adam Hammill, who is a superb player. I am still looking to strengthen the squad because it keeps everyone on their toes, but if I were to bring someone in now they wouldn't get in the team. We have the option to do it because Dean (Hoyle) has told me that I can do, and when I feel it is fit and right, I will do."

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Mirror Blackpool & We Will Do Well States Grayson

Simon Grayson will be heading back to the place where he spent six years as a player and a manager tonight when Huddersfield Town visit Blackpool to take on The Tangerines in The Championship. The terriers are on a five game unbeaten streak but face one of the favourites to gain promotion tonight at Bloomfield Road and Grayson stated that if Town can mirror the way Blackpool have played over the years then they will go a long way;

"Blackpool have a fantastic way of playing and a team ethic which is very strong, and that's exactly what I've tried to create at every club I've been at including here. When I was a player at Leicester we had a fantastic camaraderie and spirit about us and we never knew when we were beaten."

"It reflects in the supporters too. If they can see players are running and running, chasing things down and making tackles, they can forgive you the odd mistake along the way and will back you to the hilt. That's always been my attitude to the game, I've always looked for that in players and tried to get the message across to them and supporters definitely buy into that and love to see their team playing that way."

"Tonight's game will be a test, that's for sure, but the aim will be the same as always, to earn the right to play, win the battle, and then go and do what we are capable of."

Grayson continued to describe how his team has won their last two games against Derby & Sheffield Wednesday;

"We have got good players in our side, lads who like to get on the ball and play, and as a group we have the attitude that we want to be hard to beat. There are different ways of doing that, like we've already shown, and we'll have to do it again when we come up against a very good Blackpool side."

"Against Sheffield Wednesday we put bodies on the line, while against Derby we ran ourselves into the ground against a team with plenty of rotation, so we know we can dig in and do the job. Tonight is a great challenge for myself, for Keith Southern and for Peter Clarke, who was also a big part of the club's emergence over the last few years, but the only way we will all enjoy going back to Blackpool is if we win the game."

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Grayson Sums Up Hillsborough Events & Looks Forward To Bloomfield Visit

Huddersfield Town will travel to Bloomfield Road on Monday night to take on Blackpool who are looking like one of the teams to beat in The Championship this year. The Tangerines were once managed by current Town manager Simon Grayson who experienced success at the club by taking them from League One into The Championship, just as he has done with the terriers. However, Grayson was more interested in talking about his teams latest performance against Sheffield Wednesdsay where they impressively picked up all three points;

"The performance on Wednesday night was very good, but ultimately it’s about getting the win and we did that by doing what we had to throughout the course of the game. There were different aspects to the game that I was really pleased with; we started the game well, passing the ball around well and getting two early goals, plus we looked really comfortable – there was a good shape to the team. The team overcame a bit of adversity with Joel getting sent off and we had to be dogged and resolute to withstand a big, strong, powerful opponent with a big crowd behind them. We had to find a way to handle them and we certainly did that."

"It’s nice to get our first away win under our belt because I think we have played well away from home so far. At Cardiff we should have got at least a draw and at Ipswich we missed a penalty with five minutes to go that could have resulted in a victory. It was nice to get the win, especially in a local derby."

Joel was sent off with an immediate red card after his sliding tackle completely missed the ball and sent Antonio crashing to the ground for Wednesday  but although Grayson believes it was the wrong decision, he will not contest the red card;

“I don’t think we will be appealing. We’ve looked at the video and it’s a real grey area; I still don’t believe it’s a red card, but it’s somewhere between that and a yellow! I think we’d be wasting our time though – panels don’t usually change their mind on these unless it’s black and white – and we don’t want to lose him for another game, so we’ll have to accept the punishment.”

Many Town fans will have forgot about Kallum Higginbotham who was set for a big future at the terriers before Clarke was sent packing by chairman Dean Hoyle and the winger/striker has now joined Carlisle United on a loan. Grayson explained why this move has happened;

"It’s very much part of the development of the players – the lads that go out on loan still have a future here. Kallum asked to go out on loan and we agreed that it’s a good opportunity for him, but we’ll keep an eye on him. I’m pleased with how Liam Ridehalgh and Chris Atkinson are doing out on loan at Chesterfield and it’s all to help the development of the individuals in question, as well as the Club. I’m not under any pressure to move any players out on loan though. We have a group here all competing for the jerseys; we have real competition for places and that means we can change systems and personnel when we need to. It’s about getting the right balance of what’s right for the individuals as well as the Club."

Grayson finally give his verdict on how it will feel managing against one of his former clubs and one which he holds close to his heart;

"I’m looking forward to it. I was disappointed I didn’t get the chance to go back last year as I had six good years at Blackpool; three as a player and three as a manager. It was a successful time and it played a big part in my footballing career. To lead Blackpool to promotion at Wembley was great and we then stabilised the team in the Championship, which was no mean feat at the time as we didn’t have a big budget and the facilities were not up there with the other teams. However, the Club has gone from strength to strength and I’d like to think I played some part in that."

"We had a good team ethic when I was there and I think around six to eight players in their Premier League team were my signings – the likes of Wes Hoolahan. There was a unity within the group; we stuck together at the team and there was a special atmosphere at the ground, particularly at night matches. It’s a fantastic football club and it’s on the up. However, it is all about Huddersfield Town for me now. I’ll see a few old friends there, but I want to disappoint them because we’ve come away with a victory!"

Grayson captured Keith Southern in the summer transfer window from Blackpool and the gaffer was keen to talk about the hard working midfielder who he rates very highly;

"I think he’s showed what he can do, but he also influences the younger players – his calmness has rubbed off on the likes of Ollie Norwood, Danny Ward and Adam Clayton. Keith will run through a brick wall for you and that is reflecting in the rest of the players. We have a nice set of ingredients in the middle of the park at this moment in time.  He’s looking forward to Monday night, as is Peter Clarke, who played a big part for Blackpool previously. The only way they will enjoy the game is by winning though.”"

Both Blackpool & Huddersfield Town are sitting nicely in the top half of the league as we write this and both have had great starts to The Championship. Simon Grayson recognizes this and played compliment to the way the Tangerines play their football;

"It will be one of the toughest games of the season. I watched them on Tuesday night against Middlesbrough and they were very good. They could have been four or five up at half time and the same in the second half. They have a way of playing that a lot of teams can’t deal with, there’s a lot of rotation in midfield and attack to a very high standard."

"It’s a good place to go, as Bloomfield Road creates a good atmosphere. It’s a challenge, but our players are looking forward to it. We will have to be on our guard and at the top of our game because Blackpool have turned over some good teams this year; they are at the top of the division and one of the favourites to go up this year. We’ll go there aware of what they can do, but equally I’m sure they are aware of what we can do. We have some good footballers that will cause any team problems. Sometimes I think teams go there and are in awe of them; they try to change their tactics and it doesn’t suit them. Our defence will be tested. We’ll be without Joel Lynch, but Anthony Gerrard will come in and he’s been waiting patiently for his opportunity. For the majority of this season we’ve had a good shape on the pitch and that has limited opportunities for our opposition, but that will certainly be tested on Monday as Blackpool have goals in them."

Grayson will be forced to leave Lynch out of his squad due to suspension as the defender received a straight red for a rash challenge on Antonio when the terriers clashed with Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday. However, Simon is more than happy with his replacement, Anthony Gerrard;

“I like him; he’s wholehearted and he’s a leader. He’s had to wait patiently for his opportunity because the team has been doing so well, but he can come in now and try to grasp his opportunity."

Adam Hammill will also more than likely miss the game against Blackpool due to an injury which kept him out of the team against Sheffield Wednesday and Grayson updated us on his current condition;

"Adam is struggling with his knee; I would say he will be a major doubt for Monday. It’s something he picked up in an innocuous challenge last weekend – I think he just blocked a ball. He’s in the hands of the physios."

Captain Ready For Blackpool Test

Clarke not fearing a tough away trip to Blackpool

Peter Clarke has been impressive in The Championship so far and he is aiming to carry on the terriers recent good form when he leads his team out at Bloomfield Road. The skipper has played for the seaside club in his career and he is looking forward to returning to the West Coast on Monday night;

"I had the best part of two years with Blackpool and have some very fond memories from my time there. When I first signed for the Club it was struggling, but we managed to stabilise matters. Players and clubs move on though and I moved to Southend to better myself and play at a higher level."

Peter Clarke is yet to miss out on a game for Huddersfield Town this season and the 'heart on his sleeve' defender is hoping that he can keep a clean sheet against Blackpool in order to continue Towns unbeaten run to six games;

"We are carrying good momentum at the moment and we are doing ok. We have made a decent enough start and we will go into the Blackpool game full of confidence. They are a very good side and we will show them the respect that they deserve; they are up near the top end of the league on merit and have been for the past couple of years. We will go there with the belief that we can get something out of the game. Blackpool has aspirations to be in the top league, so it will be a tough game. Whether it will prove as a marker of where we are at, I don’t know - it is still early days and the League is only just starting to take shape. Collectively we have given a good account of ourselves and personally I am very happy with how things are going as I am playing well – long may it continue on all fronts."

Clarke couldn't resist but express his delight with the midweek victory over Sheffield Wednesday where the terriers managed to overturn the Owls on their home turf, Hillsborough, emerging 3-1 victors at the final whistle;

"It was a terrific win, thoroughly deserved. It was a very workmanlike performance at times and although they had a lot of possession we made it difficult for them to break us down. After we had weathered their early storm we got the ball down, played some football and got our noses in front. We were disappointed with the goal that they scored, but overall very happy with the victory."

Match Report: Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 Huddersfield Town

The West Yorkshire side travelled into South Yorkshire in a feisty affair which saw both teams end with just 10 men on the pitch as well as bagful of yellow cards being issued out. Sheffield had just come off a heavy defeat away at Brighton but back at their home ground they will always be a force to be reckoned with whereas the terriers had kept a clean sheet against Derby as well as picking up all three points.

It was Huddersfield Town who started the Yorkshire derby the better as Jack Hunt had his heels clipped in the penalty area to give the visitors the chance to take the lead from the spot. Norwood stepped up to take the penalty but a tame shot was easily saved by Kirkland but the young midfielder was first to react and made no mistake with the rebound to give the terriers the early advantage.

Things got even better for Huddersfield Town just moments later when Danny Ward arched a cross into the box for Lee Novak to superbly head into the top corner and double the visitors lead. The Town faithful were in full voice at Hillsborough but Wednesday started to fight themselves back into the game and were rewarded before half time when Reda Johnson rose well to head at goal and squeeze it into the gap between Smithies and his left hand post.

What followed in the final moments of the first half was on the border of 'crazy' as both sides were reduced to ten men with a bucket load of yellow cards being issued out by the referee. First up was Joel Lynch as he timed his tackle late to send Antonio crashing to the deck on the left hand touchline. The referee immediately pulled the tall defender to one side and sent him off the field of play with a straight red card to the disbelief of the Town fans. Grayson showed his anger at the fourth official and so did the majority of the Town players which resulted in both Peter Clarke & Anthony Gerrard receiving bookings.

The second sending off came for the Owls just minutes later as Joe Mattck clipped the ever dangerous Danny Ward and was given a second yellow to send him trudging down the tunnel. The referee had lost the game by now and both sets of fans boo'd the officials off at half time.

Half Time: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Huddersfield Town

Dave Jones changed things around at half time by introducing Nejc Pecnik for Madine who had been kept very quite in the first half. Pecnik was immediately into the action and just seconds into the second half he shot just over the bar as the terriers struggled to keep up with his pace. The game started to get stretched out and it was benefiting the Owls as Bothroyd sprinted down the flank before crossing to the back post for Johnson to head inches wide.

Pecnik was causing the terriers a lot of problems since being brought on by Dave Jones and he broke through the visitors back four onto the lobbed ball from Bothroyd. Peter Clarke struggled to get back but Pecnik made the mistake to turn inside which forced him to rush his shot agonisingly wide. Huddersfield were soaking up a lot of pressure and trying to catch the home side on the counter attack and they got their reward when Jack Hunt's cross hit the hand of Rhys McCabe in the penalty area.

The referee waved play on but the linesman refused to stop waving his flag and after a minute of discussion the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. Clayton grabbed the ball to the annoyance of James Vaughan and stepped up calmly to slot the ball away and give the terriers back their two goal lead.

Dave Jones threw on his big players in a last ditch attempt to get something from the game and the Owls nearly did but Reda Johnson just couldn't get his second goal of the game as he missed an open goal from just six yards out!

The last five minutes saw Wednesday pressure Huddersfield Town back into their own area as the Owls refused to give up hope. They hammered the terriers with crosses from all over the pitch but the entire Town team were coping with them and clearing their lines before Wednesday could create any goalscoring opportunity. Alan Lee came on in stoppage time for the terriers to gain his first appearance for Town in The Championship and he helped the visitors watch the game out for a well deserved three points.

Full Time: Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 Huddersfield Town

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Match Report: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Derby County

The terriers found themselves in a real battle at The John Smiths Stadium and a resilient defensive performance was much needed in order for the home side to pull through with all three points. The visitors, Derby County, went immediately a goal behind with less than a minute on the clock as Ward finished superbly from a Hammill cross after the on loan winger had skipped past a couple of helpless County players.

Huddersfield continued with their strong start as the midfield duo of Norwood & Southern tried their luck from some way out but the Rams defence remained strong to block both attempts. Derby could well have got themselves back on level terms in the 15th minute when Joel Lynch passed wastefully short into the path of Jamie Ward who immediately started to run at the last man for Huddersfield, Peter Clarke. Jamie Ward enticed Clarke to take the ball off him before playing it squarely to Conor Sammon but just as he was about to send in a fierce looking shot, Peter Clarke put his body on the line with an amazing diving stop.

Hammill was impressing the home crowd with his 'no fear' approach to taking players on and he pushed forward before playing the ball to Norwood who swung a cross in for Vaughan. The striker made a neat first touch but was denied a shot on goal by John Brayford who made a timely intervention. The Rams were dominating the majority of the game before the half time interval and they were looking dangerous but just couldn't force Alex Smithies into any real saves as a dedicated terriers defence remained sturdy.

Half Time: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Derby County

Both teams re-emerged for the second half with no changes but it was once again the home side which started the quickest as Derby looked vulnerable at the back. Clayton smashed the post from range and the resulting corner saw Keith Southern get a glimmer of a chance but he fired wildly over the bar and into the stands.

The visitors then settled down into the game as they looked for the equaliser and Jamie Ward was looking the most likely to get it. Ward was drifting over onto the left wing in the second half and he shrugged off the attention of Jack Hunt before firing wide of the target. Ward didn't give up there and he was soon back with the ball at his feet pushing his way past Hammill before crossing to Doyle who must of been watching Ward earlier as he fired high and wide.

The game slipped into the final twenty with Derby still failing to test Alex Smithies in the goals for Huddersfield Town. The terriers were being pinned back into their final third and it looked almost certain that all of Derby's hard work was going to pay off. Rams manager Nigel Clough introduced ex Huddersfield striker Theo Robinson into the game on the 79th minute but he failed to make an impact for the visitors as time ticked away.

Lee Novak had a half chance to put the game beyond Derby County moments later as he found himself with a bit of space at the back post. A neat first touch allowed the striker to fire in a shot at goal but he smashed it way wide. The visitors nearly found an equaliser when Alex Smithies fumbled a low cross but an alert Paul Dixon cleared the ball to safety.

Huddersfield Town held on until the very end with a sterling defensive display especially from Keith Southern & Peter Clarke who showed the young lads how things were done with two committed performances.

Full Time: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Derby County

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Grayson: 'We Dealt Superbly With Everything'

Simon Grayson was full of praise after he watched his side take all three points at Hillsborough last night against Sheffield Wednesday. The terriers had to battle hard in a game that lived up to all its expectations as a feisty Yorkshire Derby. Here is Grayson's post match interview;

"You have to stand up and be counted against Sheffield Wednesday and we certainly did tonight. We dealt superbly with everything they threw at us and then played like we want to when we had the ball. I am delighted that we have come to a very difficult place, withstood a lot of pressure and come away with three points."

Grayson was also keen to highlight that the midfield had done superbly in the game and that Danny Ward had also once again caught his eye on the wing;

"I thought the midfielders played very well and that Danny Ward was a constant threat down the left wing. 'Vaughny' worked his socks off up top and although he played on his own for much of the game he was certainly a handful for their defence. It was a great header from Lee Novak for his goal and I think the players are realising that they have to be patient to get a chance in the team. Lee didn't play against Derby but came back in tonight and took his opportunity; sadly we had to substitute him for the sending off."

Huddersfield went two goals to the good early on in the first half but Sheffield Wednesday got themselves back into things with a header which Smithies just couldn't push around the post. Lynch then saw red for a tough sliding tackle in which he missed the ball completely;

"I think it was harsh." Grayson said. "Joel made a sliding tackle and caught the lad but he hasn't caught him with a two footed lunge, it was his trailing leg. I was expecting him to receive a yellow card but to see him get red was disappointing. It may be something that we look to appeal but we will have to review the footage. It was certainly an entertaining game for the referee!"

Grayson also stated how well every player in the squad is managing themselves and has progressed on from last season;

"The players' man-management of their own game is fantastic at the moment. When I came to the Club last year the players were a little naïve, but they are learning all the time. We played one or two many short passes and could have been more positive in the second-half; we gave them an opportunity to counter attack on one or two occasions. That is me being a little bit picky with the players because we have a very buoyant dressing room at the moment and there is fantastic spirit in the team."

Jack Hunt once again was causing a countless amount of problems for the opposing side and he managed to win both of Town's penalties yet again last night. Of which, Norwood failed to convert where as Clayton secured all three points for the terriers. Grayson explained that everyone in the squad wants to be the number one spot kicker;

"They have been arguing left right and centre about who will be taking the penalties; I didn't watch the last two but watched Adam's so I will have to continue watching for now! It is good that we are getting in positions where we can win penalties and put defenders on the back foot."

A suprise before the match for Town fans was that Hammill wasn't included in the starting lineup or even on the bench and Grayson explained how he came to this decision;

"Adam is struggling with his knee after the weekend and will probably miss the Blackpool game. I think he took a knock and carried it through the game against Derby, he looks doubtful for next Monday."

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Clayton Delighted With Win Over Owls

Adam Clayton put the game beyond Sheffield Wednesday last night when he slotted home calmly from the penalty spot to take Huddersfield two goal clear of the Owls and the midfielder was delighted to bring all three points back to West Yorkshire. Clayton shoved Vaughan to one side to take control of the penalty spot kick and he didn't disappoint the Town faithful:

"The lads are buzzing to get the win in a local derby. The changing room is bouncing. It was a good win as well. We had to dig in and do what was needed. To score two goals so early on was a perfect start and I thought it was just what we deserved. I think the opening half hour could have been the best we've played. Jack did well for the penalty and I'm delighted Novak got the header, because he's been threatening to do that for ages – he's banging them in during training. He's been on fire and hopefully that will get him started, because he can get some goals."

The Owls never gave up even after conceding twice in the early stages of the game & Clayton had to battle hard in the middle for Huddersfield Town;

"I think they are the biggest team I've ever seen; I realised in the tunnel before the game that the left back playing against me was a big one! They can play a bit too though – they have some good players – and I think they will do quite well in the League. They put us under a lot of pressure, but we got the win."

Clayton scored Huddersfield's third goal from the penalty spot & he joked in his interview about being the best spot taker at the club as Simon Grayson walked past the midfielder;

"The Gaffer has said I'm the best penalty taker at the Club, so I had to get on it. I knew I wanted the penalty after not taking the one at Ipswich, so I made sure I got on it."

Clayton nearly was forced off in the first half as he received lengthy treatment from Town's physio but he battled on and described what actually happened after the game;

"It was a weird sensation; I kind of lost my centre of gravity. I can't describe it any better than that, only to say that I didn't know what was going on! Thankfully it passed and hopefully it doesn't come back!"

The terriers are now unbeaten in five but face yet another tough challenge as they travel to Bloomfield Road to take on Blackpool on Monday night;  

"We're unbeaten in five and I think we were unlucky to lose at Cardiff before that too. We're doing well and we want to keep it going. We're looking forward to every game in this League. It's new for some of our lads and they're excited to play in these games – that's why you get promoted. The expectations on us aren't as big as some other clubs and we are really enjoying ourselves."

Clayton finished off his post mact interview by thanking all the travelling fans for being the 12th man at Hillsborough;

"We had some brilliant support tonight – our fans really got behind us. They do in every game though."

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Hillsborough Awaits Grayson & His Men

Simon Grayson has given his verdict on his next opponents on Wednesday in the first Yorkshire Derby of the season. The terriers travel to Hillsborough to take on Sheffield Wednesday in a game which will undoubtedly be fiercely contested but Grayson is relishing the opportunity to pick up a first win away from home this season. Here is the gaffers pre-match interview;

"Hillsborough is a fantastic arena to play football and it is a local derby so it has all the ingredients to be a brilliant game of football. Hopefully we can replicate a similar standard of performance from the weekend and gain a positive result. They will be hugely disappointed losing the way they did against Brighton and they haven't been used to losing games under Dave Jones. He has put together a strong competitive team that has pace in the wide areas; they are also very good from set-pieces."

"Dave will have tried to bring in a few of his own ideas and players over the course of the summer. When he went in there as manager there wasn't much to change, all he had to do was continue what had been done and get them over the line. We know what to expect on Wednesday and we will treat them with the upmost respect, but I want to concentrate on what we can do to hurt them."

"They have had to improve their squad as a result of promotion and the likes of Jay Bothroyd has Premier League experience and the boy from Barcelona, Rodri, is rated very highly. It is no surprise the calibre of player that they have been able to bring in because it is a big football club."

Grayson reiterated how happy he is with the start his team has made in The Championship but he was also keen to state that they cannot take it easy now that they have points on the board;

"It is good for the confidence of the back four that they are very tight at the moment and haven't conceded many goals. All the components of our game are working well so far, but we know that we have still got a lot of work to do. We can't afford to get complacent in this division; the games come thick and fast and we have to make sure that we are at it every match day."

"It was vital that we picked up from where we left off before the international break, especially as we now enter a period of Tuesday-Saturday games. If you can win your first game of a busy period if gives you confidence and also doesn't put you under as much pressure as you aren't playing catch-up. We are going into the Sheffield Wednesday game full of confidence and buoyed by our recent results."

Grayson also praised the recent performances of Danny Ward who netted just 47 seconds into the game against Derby and ultimately secured all three points for the terriers. Ward was given his opportunity in the squad due to Scannell picking up an injury against Burnley and he has since earned his place in the starting lineup;

"He has done very well and that is why he is still in the team. I have got a lot of faith in Danny that he can produce performances. I said last year that I felt he needed to believe in himself a little bit more and be more consistent and I think he grasped an opportunity when he came into the team and has done well. His goal against Derby was something that we had worked on in training and hopefully that will give him a major boost. He was struggling with his back before the game and that is why we took him off on Saturday, but he trained on Monday and should be ok for Wednesday."

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Grayson Will Be Patient Over Beckford

Simon Grayson has not given up his chase to sign out of form Leicester City striker Jermaine Beckford regardless of if the players agent has declared he is staying with the foxes. Grayson has been keen on the ex-Leeds United goalscorer for a while now but he was extremely disappointed for the plug to be pulled on a loan deal which would of secured the strikers name for at least a season at the terriers.

However, Beckford knows he is wanted and with him still not being played in the starting XI at Leicester City, Grayson firmly believes he has a chance of re-sparking another loan deal;

"I think the Beckford deal will probably be off for a while, I'm disappointed we couldn't conclude that on deadline day but we will see what's available. I'm pleased with the options I've got, but Jermaine's deal would have been the icing on the cake. I could go and sign another striker tomorrow but I don't think the ones that are available are any better than what we've got."

"I think it's been put on the back burner from Leicester's point of view, I think they're going to keep him for a while but you never know in football, we thought we'd done a deal but things can change quickly."




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Southern Ready To Build Upon Current Form

Keith Southern put in a hardworking shift in the middle of the park today as the terriers came out victors against a very strong Derby County side. Southern showed exactly why Grayson was so keen to bring him to Huddersfield Town as he lead by example with hard tackling & a committed performance to the delight of Huddersfield fans. He explained how the game went today in his own eyes in his post-match interview;

"I thought we started the game brilliantly – we came out of the traps in lively fashion and for the first 20 minutes I thought we were outstanding. The game then descended into a bit of a scrappy pattern, but the lads showed real resilience and great character. For all the possession Derby had in the second-half, I don’t think they troubled Alex Smithies too much."

Southern watched in the first few seconds of the game as Huddersfield loanee Adam Hammill jinked in and out of Derby players before crossing for Ward to give the terriers the lead & the goal which ended up to be the only one of the game;

"I’ve known Adam for a long time. He is a lovely kid and he just needs to be encouraged and nurtured. The Gaffer knows him from his time at Blackpool, just like I do, and I think that was a big deal in the Club coming here. He’s got all the ability in the world, he’s only 24 years old and I know things haven’t quite worked out for him as he would have liked at Wolves, but he’s got many years ahead of him."

Southern was forced to go back to his trademark way of tough tackling with an aim to dominate the midfield area for the terriers as the game turned into a feisty affair at The John Smiths Stadium;

"I don’t mind that scrappy side of the game. This is a really tough League and you need to dig in, roll your sleeves up and grind the points out. I thought we deserved it today; to a man we were excellent. Any decent side is built on a platform of clean sheets and we’ve got a couple already this season. That’s what we have to do week in, week out. We have to come off the pitch totally shattered and sweating for the cause; if we do, I’m sure we’ll finish in a respectable position. Anything below those standards today and we’ll get turned over – it’s as simple as that. Every game in this League is tough. Today was a good benchmark as they are a decent side – they’ve come here on the back of a 5-1 win – but I thought our lads stood up to the test brilliantly. We’ve had a tough start on paper with the fixtures, but hopefully we can build on this now."

Southern joined from Blackpool in the summer transfer window which was a big move for the midfielder who received a testimonial for his long term service at Bloomfield Road and he is loving his time with the terriers regardless of how big the pitch is;

"If I’d joined Huddersfield 10 years ago, I’m not sure I’d still be playing now! It’s a hell of a pitch to be honest, but I’ve got some legs alongside me and I’m probably as fit as I have been in my career. I’m enjoying it here – it’s given me a new lease of life. This is a good club with good people. The potential at this football club is frightening, on and off the pitch – who knows what we can achieve this season? However, we can’t get carried away. We are on a nice little unbeaten run, but we have two really tough away games coming up; we have to keep our feet on the ground and see where we are in a couple of weeks.”"

Southern will undoubtedly be one of the first names on Grayson's team sheet as they travel to Hillsborough on Wednesday for a tough Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday and he cannot wait to build upon the current form Huddersfield has in The Championship; 

"We’ll go to Hillsborough on Wednesday and we’ll have to grind it out again; hopefully we can get another three points. We’ve not won away from home this season – we are only a couple of games into it though. Your home form is vital if you are going to achieve anything, whether that is just staying in the League or threatening the Play-Offs, and we are building a little bit of momentum."

Grayson States His Team Showed Resistance

Simon Grayson watched his side leapfrog his old club Leeds United into 8th place in The Championship as Huddersfield Town took all three points against Derby County today. The game was set alight in just 47 seconds as the terriers took the early lead through Danny Ward and Grayson praised the entire team for their resilience to hold on to the lead right to the final whistle.

"The attitude and work rate of the players was fantastic today. We were exciting on the ball but also defended very well when we were under heavy pressure. If you don't show the battling qualities that we did today, then you won't win football matches. Derby beat Watford last time out and battered Wolves earlier in the season; they are a very good football team but we matched them. The players showed great resistance during the second half. We defended in groups and worked hard to close down the Derby players. For all their possession I don't think Alex has really made a save."

Hammill received his home debut for Huddersfield Town today and Grayson was delighted to see him pick up the Man Of The Match award after a stunning performance which caused the visitors a ton of problems;

"I know what I am getting from him having worked with him before. He showed a desire to come to the football club and we wanted him because he is an exciting player. He can be a massive threat for opposition defences with his running and trickery. We have worked on that type of move in training and Danny has done brilliantly to get on the end of it. It was a brilliant start for us and although we were under pressure for some parts of the game after I thought we controlled it well and killed it off towards the end."

"We have got players who can hit teams on the counter attack. We have got the pace, the energy and the craft to trouble defences. We know that we will have to dig deep in games, but we also know that we can cause problems of our own."

"I want my teams to entertain. First and foremost the fans should get their money's worth when they come and watch this football team. Even if we get beat the players should be working hard and they certainly did that today. You have to earn the right to play in this division and also keep you jersey in the team."

Huddersfield Town will only have a couple of days to rest before they clash with Sheffield Wednesday in a midweek Yorkshire derby and Grayson can't wait to build upon their great start in The Championship;

"It is an exciting fixture. Sheffield Wednesday is a massive club who like to play football. From my point of view I hope the fixture isn't as exciting as it was last year at Hillsborough, but we will go there in good spirits. They will be wounded after what happened last night but we will go there with confidence and try and get the win."

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Hammill Ready For Business Despite Hillsborough Connections

On loan winger Adam Hammill is ready to give it his all despite having close connections with the disaster which happened at Hillsborough 23 years ago. The disaster has dominated sports news for the last week or so but the new findings have finally brought some sort of justice for the family & friends of the 96 football fans that died on that day.

Hammill gave an emotional interview today about the whole situation ahead of todays Championship clash against Derby County;

"Anthony Gerrard has a relative, the youngest person who died there, so it's tough for him, and those of us who drive in were all talking about it with very mixed emotions. The people of Liverpool knew the truth all along and for it to finally come out, it's 23 years too late really. There have been a lot of cover-ups and we've been labelled with a reputation we didn't deserve or warrant."

"The people who did that should hang their heads in shame. The apologies are too late, but it shows the character of Liverpool to come through this. Whether you support Liverpool or you are Evertonian, everyone has united and stuck together to try and get through it and to get the justice. I had family friends there and people who I know"

"My best friends mum was in the crowd with some of their relatives, but they were among the fortunate ones on the day. The thing none of us expected was the report about how many people could have been saved. Your heart goes out to those people and those families, it really does."

Hammill then moved on to speak about how pleased he was to get his loan move to Huddersfield Town and be reunited with manager Simon Grayson as well as being able to get his first minutes under the belt at Ipswich Town two weeks ago;

"It will be nice to get a full season under my belt in what are familiar surroundings for me. The move for Jermaine Beckford didn't go through for the club on the final night of the transfer window, but I'm glad mine did because I've just got a desire to play football and that's all I want to do. It was great to get a few minutes down at Ipswich, where the instructions were just to play off James Vaughan and run at their defence, and it seemed to work quite well for us."

"I want to get my share of goals and assists and the positive thing about the international break was that I got a couple of games under my belt for the reserves, which felt good. There is real quality on the training pitch, the banter is good and everyone is looking forward to the games coming up. I know this club plays the sort of football which suits me. Our midfielders are proper footballers who like to get on the ball and spread it wide, and we've got quality strikers as well."

Hammill gave his reasons as to why he has settled in so well at Huddersfield Town;

"I came through the ranks at Liverpool with Calum Woods, so we have known each other a long time. Then I played alongside Keith Southern at Blackpool and, within a minute of arriving here, I knew Anthony Gerrard! He is the loudest and the maddest person I have ever come across."

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Grayson Raring To Go After Week Break

Huddersfield Town manager Simon Grayson and his team have had a full week off playing competitive matches but the boss has stated that he is raring to get the game against Derby County started. He spoke exclusively to the terriers yesterday & here is what he had to say;

"It's been a nice break and has allowed one or two players to recharge their batteries – we've got one or two niggling injuries sorted on the treatment table. I'm glad that the international boys have come back in one piece as well!"
 
"We've had a good week's build-up to the Derby game and the break probably came at a good time for everybody. We've taken stock of our situation and now we're ready for a tough game at the weekend. This is a tough division, both physically and mentally, and we have stages that come along when we're playing Saturday-Tuesday. When you get an opportunity to rest the players you have to take it and we have a lot of games coming up this month."

Grayson also took the chance to inform everyone about the two injuries in the Town squad at the moment. Scannell & Lynch are doubtful for the game on Saturday but Grayson isn't writing both players off just yet;

"Sean and Joel did work with us this morning and we're pleased they are back out on the training ground. We'll assess them on Friday morning to see if they are fit enough to play at the weekend. 'Scanz' has been out for longer than Joel with his hamstring injury suffered at the Burnley game and so he hasn't trained as much, but we'll see where we are."



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Beckford Not Joining Terriers

Breaking news has been announced on Twitter regarding Jermaine Beckfords future. The out of favour striker at Leicester City was minutes away from signing for Huddersfield Town under ex-manager Simon Grayson before the foxes pulled out in the transfer window & today his agent has stated that he will not be going anywhere now.

Simon Grayson was keen to bring Beckford to the terriers on a season long loan but seemed happy enough to settle for an emergency 93 day loan with the opening of the loan window but it seems like he will miss out on his main target completely now.

Beckfords agent, Nick Rubery, answered a question regarding his player on the social networking site moments ago;

"@Kingpowers: @nickrubery1 have #lcfc stopped the Beckford move to Huddersfield completely now?" Yes. J won't be going anywhere now.

So there you go Town fans. Beckford will not be joining Huddersfield Town but remaining at Leicester City.




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