HTAFC League One campaign 2024/2025

Expectations were high for an immediate return, but at the very least an entry into the play-offs was expected.  These expectations looked on course to be met for large parts of the season. The season fell apart after the fortuitous Boxing Day win over Stockport County.  We then went 8 games without a win until our third victory of the season over Barnsley.  With 3 wins in 15 games though Kevin Nagles’ management team made the decision to sack Michael Duff and appoint Jon Worthington until the end of the season.  With that recent record and the dropping off, of performances it was understandable.  Even earlier in the season the results and performances were not convincing.   With the arrival of Worthington we played open attacking football, moving the ball quickly, unfortunately that only lasted for the Crawley game and then we returned to the slow laboured football we had come accustomed to.  We never appeared to learn any lessons throughout the season regardless of who was in charge.  The plus side was that we were never in a relegation battle, but the form since the turn of the year has been relegation form.

Kevin Nagle has said trust me I hear you, I know what is wrong.  I suspect he does as it is obvious, results and performances are not good enough.  The question is does he know how to put it right?  Being a fan obviously I hope he does.  I understand the sacking of Michael Duff, maybe it should have been sooner, maybe he should have seen the season out, but the sacking was understandable.  The appointment of Worthington again was understandable, however was not successful and did we really need to stick with him till the end of the season when it had already become obvious long before then that it wasn’t working.  The sacking of Mark Cartwright again was understandable and perhaps that should have happened sooner.  Being in charge of footballing matters the coaching/managerial appointments and player recruitment has not been good for some time.  After the Bristol Rovers match on 8th March Duff was sacked and it is disappointing that now come mid May we still have no replacement and appear without any direction, when we should already be building for next season.

Player Reviews

Lee Nicholls – Rating 6

The experienced keeper made 23 appearances in the 24/25 season starting the campaign in good form and some of the old Nicholls looked to be returning but then after injury he never looked the same again.  Distribution is still his downfall, command of the area, handling and shot stopping is as good as any other at this level.  Nicholls is still under contract and so hopefully he will remain.

Jacob Chapman – Rating 6

A real break through season for Jacob with 25 appearances across all competitions.  Jacobs distribution is his real strength, however his command of the area, dealing with crosses and lack of ability to time coming off his line, all need to develop quickly if he is going to progress further.

Chris Maxwell – Rating 2

The keeper retired at the end of the campaign after 4 games. At the start of the season it looked like he gave us strength in depth, but it has to be said that he did not look comfortable in the games he did play.

Defenders

Lasse Sorensen – Rating 4

Lasse arrived in the summer looking like a good capture from Lincoln where he had been an integral part of the squad.  He played 36 games over the season for us despite having some time out due to injury.  Initially Lasse looked like he was going to have a positive affect on this season  as he marauded down the right in early games causing problems for the opposition.  It didn’t take our opponents long though to figure out how to nullify him and he was lacking in physicality to cope.  Defensively he struggled as well, but often he was made to look worse by a lack of support down the right in both an attacking sense and defensive sense.  It is unfair to judge Sorensen on this season alone as the way we played we asked him to do the job of 2 men consistently by isolating him on the flank.    

Ollie Turton – Rating 4

The ‘Ginger Cafu’ finally had a season with no long term injury and finally he scored for the Town.  Playing 33 times with 1 goal during the season, Ollie was used as a full-back, centre back and from the bench.  As a centre back he lacks the physicality and as an attacking full-back he doesn’t get forward enough.  Best position is as a traditional full-back with a consistent back line which we rarely had.  I like Ollies attitude, but he can be easily replaced.

Josh Ruffles – Rating 5

Ruffles has survived most manages and the way he keeps bouncing back I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a Town shirt again.  Not comfortable as a full back as he is too easily exposed and does not offer enough going forward.  His best position appears to be on the left of a 3 man central defence.  Technically a good player but he always has a mistake in him which can prove costly.  Managed 25 games with 1 goal over the season and as the second half of the season progressed with injuries he was a regular in the side.  Now out of contract and hopefully moving on.

Mickel Miller – Rating 6.5

Was looking very good early in the season and proved to be a problem for the opposition.  Mickel clocked up 20 games with no goals during the campaign.  Certainly is best playing as a attacking left sided wing back but we did not really see enough end product.  He was out with a long term injury and we missed his presence in the side.  It will be interesting if the new manager plays with attacking wing backs to accommodate him next season.

Matty Pearson – Rating 6.5

The ‘Keighley Cannavaro’ played 35 times and scored 5 goals during the season.  He started the season on the bench and perhaps it explains how our season collapsed that Matty started as our fourth choice to then finish the season as first choice centre back.  Matty certainly put everything into his games, but he has never been the quickest and was left exposed too often, particularly in games where he was the only centre back on the pitch.  Now out of contract and moving on I wish Matty well for the future.  Watch him return and score against us.

Tom Lees – Rating 6

Tom has been slow for a number of years now, but his reading of the game has been the best out of all the centre backs and it is that that has got him/us out of trouble many times.  When he was in the side our results were much better and we certainly missed him when he was out injured.  Not enough of a presence when attacking set plays but was consistent defensively.  Played 32 times and scored 1 goal.  Now out of contract and moving on.

Nigel Lonwijk – Rating 6.5

The Wolves loanee had a positive affect on the side until injury.  Good going forward and needs to react quicker defensively.  Passing and pace was good but needs to be stronger physically.  Played 26 times with 1 goal.  I’d be happy to see us make his move permanent.

Radinio Balker – Rating 4

Balker finally returned from injury but finished the season out again.  He managed 14 games during the campaign.  Looks classy coming out of the defence with the ball and looks calm and in control.  Unfortunately though for a bug guy he is physically beaten too often, not quick enough and doesn’t read the game well.  I know he is highly rated but for me I don’t see enough from him, maybe he needs more of a regular run in the side with a settled back line but being as injury prone as he is I wouldn’t mind him moving on.

Brodie Spencer – Rating 7

Hopefully Brodie doesn’t move on in the summer.  He can play across any of the positions along the back but is best as a full-back/wing/back on either side.  Do actually wonder if he would be better as a central midfielder at times as he is good going forwards.  Reads the game well and good both in and out of possession, one of the few that has continued to progress this season.

Neo Eccleston – Rating N/A (due to only playing 2 games)

Neo looks promising.  Pacey and likes to get forward.  To get the best out of him we would need to play him as a wing-back but have a good solid right sided centre back with pace behind him.  Over the 2 games he caused a threat going forward but was susceptible to the ball in behind.  Hopefully he gets plenty of game time next season or a quality loan to get competitive matches under his belt.

Midfield

Ruben Roosken – Rating 5

Ruben had a nightmare start with a red card after just nine minutes of his debut from the bench.  His second appearance he went off injured.  He did however go on to make 14 appearances over the season with 2 goals.  Plays in an advanced left sided position (left winger) although was signed as a left wing-back.  Ruben is the type of player that can go missing in matches and then suddenly pop up with a quality moment in attack.  It is difficult to see how he fits into the side, but technically a good player.

Jonathan Hogg – Rating 5

Hoggy played his last season for the Terriers but may still be involved in the club in some way.  His commitment cannot be questioned and always gave 100%.  Not a bad passer of the ball but it was always a case of safety first with Hoggy.  Rarely did he change a match for the better in this last season, but his drive and positive attitude shone through.  He failed to get about the pitch as quickly as he needed to and as the season went on we relied on him too much.  Good luck for the future.

Ben Wiles – Rating 6.5

Played out of position for most of the season being asked to operate on the left hand side when he is a central midfielder.  This did not help the balance of the team overall and contributed to some fans turning on Ben unfairly.  Certainly a player better on the ball than off it but his commitment should not be questioned.  Made 50 appearances over the season with 9 goals which is a good return from midfield.

Anthony Evans – Rating 4.5

 Had high hopes for Anthony when the highly rated player arrived.  He went on to make 36 appearances with 2 goals over the season.  Again, a player better on the ball than off it.  Lacking in pace and physicality but technically very good.  For a set piece expert though we should have had a better return and it will be interesting to see how he fits in under a new manager.  

Herbie Kane – Rating 6.5

Technically a very good player and yet another one better on the ball than off it.  Struggled with fitness over the season but I think he is one of the better midfielders that we could build a side around, but we have to play to his strengths and let him dictate the game.  Made 31 appearances with 3 goals.

David Kasumu – Rating 8

The pick of the midfield for me.  Good going forward and at breaking up play, a good all round box to box midfielder.  Found it very frustrating when at the end of the season we were playing our best midfielder who could change a game out on the right wing or at right wing back.  He stepped up this season and I hope that we get to keep him next term, if we play quick attacking football then Kasumu could make the difference.

Tawanda Chirewa – Rating 4

Came on loan in January and is a young man with plenty of skill which got people off their seats, unfortunately there was no end product as his final ball was poor or he would try beating his man several times and then loose possession.  Played 13 times with no goals.  Could go on and have a good career but too much of a luxury player for us.

Tom Iorpenda – Rating 2

At times Tom looked good but at times you also forgot he was on the pitch.  Needs to go out on loan next season and get regular game time under his belt.  Made 11 appearances during this season.

Joe Hodge – Rating 3

Wolves loanee Hodge is good on the ball but lacks physicality.  Far too much of a luxury player for a league one side.  He made 27 appearances with 1 goal.  Technically good on the ball and will have a good career but not with us.

Forwards

Callum Marshall – Rating 7

What Callum lacks in physical attributes he makes up for in his tenacity.  Gave 100% in every game, chased every ball and closed every player down.  Unlike a lot of the midfield he is better off the ball than on it and maybe he should play in a deeper role. Played 46 times with 10 goals.   I don’t see Callum as a Premier League player (West Ham loanee) and I don’t feel he is what we need next season as we need to stretch our opponents with pace up front.

Bojan Radulovic – Rating 2

Bojan tried his best for Town but struggled to settle in.  He struggled with the physicality and only appeared to be settling at the time that he left on loan in January.  Played 21 times with 1 goal.  Hopefully we find a permanent move away for Bojan.

Josh Koroma – Rating 7

A player that frustrates me, he can play well but misses some easy chances too.  When he plays on instinct and has little time on the ball he does better, if he is given time on the ball then he always makes the wrong choice.  Been at Town for some years now and leaving as his contract is up.  I can’t fault his effort over the seasons but it is time for him to move on.  Played 39 times with 11 goals.

Rhys Healey – Rating 5

If Rhys could stay fit he would not be a League One striker as he can score goals.  A good centre forward but far too injury prone.  Played 11 times with 2 goals this season and hopefully we can find him a move away this summer.

Dion Charles – Rating 1

Oh dear.  Charles had a decent scoring record with Bolton but had been struggling with them of late.  I therefore was not elated when we signed him in January and unfortunately, he failed to deliver despite being giving the chances.  17 games and no goals tells a story.  He likes to be physical but looses that battle consistently. 

Freddie Ladapo – Rating 1

Freddie had a good reputation at his other clubs of being a goal scorer.  He was only usually used from the bench and then it was often for only 10 minutes.  Perhaps we should have given Freddie more of a chance when you consider how many opportunities we gave others.  Not sure though that it would have been any better, Freddie managed 1 goal in 25 games and remains under contract.

Joe Taylor – Rating 5

Arrived in January with expectations high.  Joe took time to get match fit and did manage to score on his debut, but fitness remained an issue.  He made 14 appearances scoring twice.  Physically a strong and quick player but he isn’t going to win any aerial duals, so we need to get balls played in behind for Joe but when our attacks have been slow it is no wonder that we haven’t seen the best of him. 

Danny Ward – Rating 4.5

Danny played 20 times with 3 goals prior to injury finishing his season.  Now out of contract Danny has left the club.  A good forward who defended from the front and if he had of stayed fit I think we would have done much better.  I can’t see Danny playing much more elsewhere as fitness appears to be a problem.

Managers

Michael Duff – Rating 4

43 games played in all competitions.  Won 20, drawn 7, lost 16.  Scored 60 and conceded 43.  With a 46.5 win percentage we have definitely had worse, but we were a side relegated from the Championship last season with money spent and a genuine hope for promotion.  The results and performances were not good enough.  Duff has not been particularly successful elsewhere and it will be interesting to see where he goes next.

Away from home he made us hard to beat and some times we did well at nicking a goal and then spaces would open up for us to take the 3 points.  At home it was dull and ponderous and we were often there for the taking.  Once sides realised we were nothing to fear then things started to come crashing down.  Yes the injuries definitely added to it.  Helik leaving in January and not being replaced and having an injury crisis at the same time had an inevitable affect.  Was it Duff or Cartwright who did not react, we will never know.

When fully fit though Duff would set us up with 2 attacking players down the left (Koroma and Miller) and 1 down the right (Sorensen) with Wiles asked to operate wide and central at the same time.  We sometimes played with Koroma wide left and nothing at all on the right.  It became very easy to defend against us with no balance to the side and very one dimensional.  It was no wonder that we were on a loosing streak and then often operating with 1 centre back as well.  In midfield we had Kane, Wiles and Evans all good on the ball but not hard working tackling midfielders.  We only had Hogg (too slow) and Kasumu who could put a foot in.  It was obvious that from the recruitment we did not have the correct blend of players on the pitch in key areas.

I wish Duff well and genuinely think he did his best, but that was not good enough.

Jon Worthington – Rating 1

Long standing servant at the club Worthy took up the caretaker role again and must have been thinking that he might take it on a permanent basis.  A good start with a convincing home win over Crawley was soon forgotten as we collapsed in the following games.  We suffered heavy defeats at Charlton, Burton and home to Leyton Orient and only managed 2 wins in his 10 games in charge.  At times the tactical decisions were naive, and we made it all too easy for the opposition.  Trying to control possession in the oppositions half with the defensive line pushed up when we lack pace defensively and the opposition are quick in attack.  Time again the wrong choices were made.  Hope he continue to work with the club but I don’t see a managerial future for Worthy   

What next?

Many new manager names have been touted but no decisions made yet.  I understand making sure we get it right but we need to see some positive movement or perhaps we have someone lined up but need to wait until their season is over.

Which players do we need to bring in?  Well we need to be realistic, at best we might be able to tempt Championship players that are not guaranteed regular football.  So here are a few suggestions:-

Keepers

In goal if either Chapman or Nicholls leave:-

Teddy Sharman-Lowe

The Chelsea man spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers winning the League Two title.  A highly rated young keeper who is supposed to be out of contract this summer would be an upgrade on either of our 2 existing options. 

Joe Whitworth

Spent last season on loan at Exeter City picking up their player of the season award.  A young keeper who commands the area, Crystal Palace may be looking for another loan for the keeper and he would fit in well at Town.

Defence

In central defence we only now have Balker (Spencer if you include him as a central defender), and he is very injury prone so we need at least 3 options in this position:-

Eoin Toal

The big centre back has been at Bolton now since 2022.  He is physically strong and mobile.  Can score from set pieces and would fit in well.

Connor Taylor

The young Bristol Rovers centre back was named player of the season for ‘The Gas’.  He dominated against Town this season and in some other games I have seen him in too.  He is passionate and committed and would fit in well and we should be able to get him from Rovers.

Nigel Lonwijk

I believe Nigels’ contract at Wolves may be coming to an end.  We know what he can offer and where he needs to develop.  Nigel would be a good permanent fit for Town.

Fraser Horsfall

It is unlikely that he would join or that Stockport would allow him to leave but worth an enquiry as would certainly be a good addition.

Sonny Bradley

Would be a good addition for 1 year at the heart of the defence.  Strong and no nonsense centre back.

Midfield

Ryan Ledson

Not one to get excited about, but experienced and at 27 could add something to the side.

Charlie Savage

Gets forward well from midfield and scores goals.  Not injury prone and only 22.  He would be a good addition.

Malik Willks

Out of contract now and would add something down the flanks.  Quick and direct and we are one of the few Yorkshire clubs he has not played for.

Forwards

We need to off load Healey, Radulovic and Ladapo if there are any takers.  That would free up space for some new recruits.  We have Taylor and we need to use his pace in behind the back line.  A few good options that could be added to the attacking line would be:-

Nathan Lowe

He may stay at Stoke but it is worth us looking at him.  If we could take the youngster on a permanent deal or if it had to be a loan.  Free scoring on loan at Walsall this last season.  He looked good against us and never let his head drop when things weren’t going his way in the first half.  Would be a good addition.

Harvey Knibbs

The 6 foot 2 Reading frontman could be a good addition if we could get him.  Not injury prone and 14 goal return this season.

Charlie Kelman

Wishfull thinking really.  A strong forward, good finisher, hard worker, would certainly be a good addition.

Kwame Poku

Looked good for Peterborough this season and believed to be a free agent in the summer.  Plays more as a winger than out and out striker but with his goal tally he would be a good addition.

Success next season?

We have a depleted squad at present, no manager and no Director of Football.  It is really difficult to gauge what next season will bring.  Some of the current retained squad need to leave and we need to spend wisely with a clear plan.  The Manager and DoF need to be on the same page as it feels like they weren’t previously with players being played out of position regularly to fit a system that did not suit them.  Hopefully we make some good decisions and soon.

HUddersfield Town 2023/24 Season Review

The Managers.

A lot has been said about this season and no doubt a lot will continue to be said.  The season started with some feeling of hope for the future.  Neil Warnock had managed to work wonders with Ronnie Jepson in tow by keeping us in the Championship.  He had responded to the ‘one more year Warnock’ pleas and agreed to stay on.  The relationship from the outside between owner Kevin Nagle and Warnock appeared strong and it appeared that the understanding was that Warnock was to remain in charge until a long term replacement was sourced.  He lasted just until 20th September with 2 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses in his 7 games in charge (including a home loss in the League Cup).  The lowest point being a 4-0 home loss to Norwich, but in contrast he registered a 2-1 win at West Brom.  Perhaps not all was well between owner and manager before this as there was talk that Warnock thought there were more funds for wages at the time of agreeing Danny Ward, Josh Ruffels and Josh Koroma staying on when there wasn’t.  This meant that the team started the season a little short with personel upfront and in the middle of the park.

Darren Moore was identified to be the key man to take the side forward with a clear direction of Premier League football in 3 seasons.  There had been a lot of talk that the new man was going to be a big name and the long-term solution for the club.  Unfortunately, like many I was left somewhat underwhelmed with the appointment but was hoping that the club having done their due diligence he would come good.  Moore remained in charge until 29th January recording 3 wins, 11 draws and 9 losses (including a Cup loss).  The high point being the 3-0 home win against Blackburn on Boxing Day with the low point a 4-0 home loss to Cardiff City in October.  Moore never got to build his own team, new signings arrived in January but he had no time to be able to work with them.  A record of 3 wins in 23 games though is not good enough for any manager to remain in their post.

Jon Worthington stepped in as interim manager whilst Moores’ replacement was sourced.  In Worthingtons’ 4 games in charge he recorded 2 wins and 2 losses.  This included a 4-0 home win against Sheffield Wednesday and a 5-3 loss at Southampton.  During these 4 games we saw a belief in the team which had barely been apparent at any other time of the season.  Worthington had made it clear that he was not looking for the position long term and a replacement arrived on 15th February.

Andre Breitenreiter was drafted in, he recorded 2 wins,5 draws and 6 losses before the end of the season.  The positivity which had arrived during Worthingtons’ reign had soon dissipated and Town finished 23rd in the league.  A 4-0 home loss to Swansea being the low point, however it did start positively with a 2-1 win at Watford.  In the closing weeks of the season Breitenreiter had made it clear that there were problems at the club.  Too many of the players were lacking in fight, commitment and quality, he said he had not experienced so many problems at a club before. 

The Owner.

A first full season as owner has not been anything that I’m sure the American owner would have expected.  Having arrived late last season Kevin Nagle endeared himself to the fanbase with his visibility in the Town and willingness to engage with anyone.  He appeared to establish a good relationship with Neil Warnock and was making all the right noises.  Having existing experience of football management with his existing club in USA, Sacremento the hopes were high.  Nagle did have his hands tied with regards budgets in the summer as he could not invest heavily due to restrictions from the previous regime.  His local staff in charge of running things, Jake Edwards (CEO) and Mark Cartwright (Sporting Director) have not had a good season.  A lot of the failed responsibility should lay on the shoulders of both.  The decision making appears very questionable with the timing of the More appointment and the timing of the sacking, let alone the calibre of individual.  It remains to be seen if they have it right this time although early signs have not been positive.  Andre Breitenreiters’ record in Germany is better then what Darren  Moores’ record in England was so hopefully given time he will turn things around in League One, that is provided he is up for the challenge. It now remains to be seen if Nagle will back the manager in League One.

The Players.

Having shipped 77 goals in the league this season it has not been one to remember for our goalkeepers.  Having said that I’m not sure how much they are to blame for the situation.  Nicholls played 37 times, Maxwell 9, and Chapman 2.  The experienced Maxwell looked good as did Nicholls for the most part.  Nicholls perhaps did not pull out as many outstanding performances as past years but still has plenty to offer.  The young Jacob Chapman came in and did very well as well.  If being critical the one part of Nicholls game which could be better is his distribution.

Michal Helik played 42 games during the season and finished top scorer with 9 goals.  The big Polish central defender has been very impressive and a big threat at the top end of the pitch.  Will Town be able to hold onto him next year, quite possibly not, but we have to hope that we can.

Matty Pearson played 39 times with 3 goals.  He is best suited as a centre back but was often used as a right back.  Pearson (the Keighley Cannovaro) gives his all for the team, yes he has short comings but plays with his heart on the sleeve.  We are definitely weaker when Pearson operates at right back but the need for him to play there perhaps shows the lack of strength in depth we have had this season.  He should do well as a centre back in the side next season in League One.

Tom Lees played 32 times during the season without registering a goal.  Lees season was hampered by injuries meaning he wa sin and out of the side a lot.  Lees might not be the quickest but he reads the game well as a central defender.

Edmonds-Green (14 games) played a bit part until being sold in January to Charlton.  He always looked comfortable on the ball but lacked leadership qualities and his path to the first team was constantly blocked with Helik, Pearson and Lees ahead of him.  Radinio Balker (6 games) arrived in January from Groningen but he struggled to complete 90 minutes in his games.  Balker looks comfortable on the ball but would he command a starting position over the experienced 3 centre backs?

Yuta Nakayama (24 games) returned from his injuries of last season but again had injury problems.  Yuta is best used as an attacking left back but was rarely used in that position, he did play as a holding midfielder, left winger, centre back more than in his best position.  With his contract now at an end I feel he will move on.  Ollie Turton (3 games) another with injury problems finally got back into the side.  Ollie provides consistency, you know what you are going to get with Ollie but his injuries are an ongoing concern.  Ben Jackson (27 games) clocked up a good number of appearances during the season but again he was used across various positions and never allowed to build any consistency.  Jaheim Headley (30 games, 1 goal) played a lot of football and was used consistently as an attacking left back but with him pushing on and often no left centre back the use of Headley was often counterproductive.   Josh Ruffells  (11 games) was involved in games early in the season but after injury we saw no more of Josh.  He is a very defensive minded left back and perhaps not the quickest at reading the game but a honest hardworker.  Tom Edwards made 13 appearances whilst on loan from Stoke.  Edwards never looked comfortable within the side, he struggled in some games and looked slow and unfit, however it is fair to say that the fans did not support Edwards and it did appear that perhaps he did not fit into the squad.

Jonathan Hogg played 35 times during the season with no goals.  Hoggy struggled with injuries as the season went on and he has got slower, he has always been good at managing games but is struggling to have as much effect as in past years, having said that we certainly have missed him when he was unavailable.  His contract expires now so we will see soon if we have him still around at the club, personally all good things must come to an end so perhaps it is time for Hoggy to move on.

David Kasumu played 31 games (1 goal), again another one that struggled for consistency and could find himself having a good game one week and then on the bench the next so hardly surprising that he would struggle.  Kasumu also played as a holding midfielder, in a more advanced midfield role and as a right back, so again hardly surprising that we did not get the best out of him.  Kasumu can come good for us but he needs to be coached better, the decisions on the ball are not affective enough.

Jack Rudoni played 36 times and scored 5 times.  Jack has struggled for consistancy but he plays best when he plays in a deeper role picking up the ball and laying it off.  Too often he feels the need to beat the man in front but he then gets shepherded down the channel until he looses possession.  Jack needs to learn to be part of the team, he doesn’t need to be the match winner every week and then the consistency will come.

Alex Matos played 19 times over the season since arriving on loan from Chelsea in January.  Matos a combative central midfielder brought some much needed quality into the side but was not often used alongside Hogg which may have given the front line more of a base to attack from.  Ibrahim Diarra made 22 appearances over the season 16 from the bench.  He was out of favour with Breitenreiter and over the years never seen an end result in Diarra.  He is quick and good on the ball but has continually failed at being able to pass at the right moment.  Being out of contract in the Summer it is likely that Diarras’ Huddersfield career is at an end.

Ben Wiles signed from Rotherham at the start of the season clocked up 31 appearances over the season with 10 of them being from the bench.  Much was expected of Ben but unfortunately he failed to deliver.  In his defence he was asked to play different roles with different players alongside himself each time he took to the pitch but still Ben really under delivered.  Hopefully we will see the best of Ben at League one level and give him a chance to settle into the team with a run in the side.

Scott High and Conor Mahoney both played in 1 cup game prior to their respective loan deals.  Scott going to Ross County (2 games) and Dundalk (12 games 1 goal).  Scott has never really been able to kick on since his initial performances for Town and perhaps it is time for him to build his career elsewhere.  Conor went to Gillingham (39 games and 7 goals) and finished top scorer.  He never really settled at Town but dependant upon who stays and who goes there may become an opportunity for Conor to be involved with the side next season, although as I believe his contract expires I feel it likely that he will be released.

Josh Austerfield appeared 3 times (2 starts) for Town but really I feel would benefit through a season long loan where he could get regular first team competitive football.  Tom Iorpenda made 3 appearances from the bench.  He was often on the bench but not used much.  Again we need to either get him more involved or allow him the opportunity of a loan even if it is only till the January transfer window.  Loick Ayina managed 3 appearances (2 substitute) before his loan spell with Ross County (9 games).  I’m not convinced that Ayina has a long term future at Town but if he does he needs to be involved this season or have a full season loan at a competitive level.

Sorba Thomas (42 games, 4 goals) is perhaps the must divisive character in the team.  He has undoubted skill but his understanding with his team mates is not there.  Consistency of the quality of his dead balls is not good enough although it is fair to say that he has had a good season but the consistency has not been there.  When Sorba plays we tend to be a little one dimensional with all the attacks coming through him and then we become easier to defend against.  Is it time for Sorba to go?  I think probably.  Many believe he is the main catalyst for disruption within the team environment and he may be, but a lot of this is speculation with no tangible evidence.

Pat Jones finally recovered from persistent injuries and made 8 appearances over the season.  Pat is direct and appears to be very hit or miss with his performances.  He shows a lot of naivety at times and needs to play the simple ball some of the time rather than beating his man every time.  I think a season long loan of competitive football could serve him well with the option to recall in January.

Josh Koroma (39 appearances, 6 goals) made a lot of appearances over the season although not enough end product from him.  He still has not emulated his breakthrough season yet.  Always wants to cut inside from the left onto his right foot and the opposition know what to expect.  He usually gives full effort but as the season went on his head did drop and went through the motions.  I like Koroma but don’t feel he is good enough for the Championship and although we are not there next season that is where we want to get back to so feel if he does stay this should be his last season with Town.

Delano Burgzorg (33 games, 6 goals) rivals Thomas as a divisive character, certainly the more infuriating.  He undoubtedly possesses the skill but has one thing on his mind when he gets the ball and that is to beat his man (which he much prefers to do 2 or 3 times even at the risk of losing possession).  Unfortunately, Delano will be remembered for failing to pass to Healey when scores were level at Stoke as opposed to scoring the winner at Sunderland.  He is one of the most selfish footballers at Town in a long time and whilst his body language often showed that he did not put in the effort I feel he did care and the abuse he received hurt and had a negative effect on his performances.  Delanos’ loan period will end and he will return to his parent club.

Danny Ward (20 games, 3 goals) struggled again with injuries.  Danny always puts in the graft but lacks a consistent end product.  He will rarely hit double figures and as he encounters more and more injuries and does play better when wide men or players in the ‘number 10 role’ get in and around him.  I don’t mind Danny staying as a squad player but equally if he was to move on it would be no bis loss.

Bojan Radulovic (12 games 8 as a substitute, 1 goal) arrived in January from the Finnish league where he was scoring freely.  The Spanish born striker struggled for fitness and was usually used from the bench and unable to affect the matches.  He looked good at Stoke and then was benched again in the next match.  I feel that the club failed Bojan but that he could be a part of the clubs future, hopefully so anyway.  In the 4 games that Bojan started we won 2 and drew 2, interesting fact in season of little success.

Rhys Healey (11 games 6 as a substitute, 3 goals) arrived and instantly there were concerns of fitness.  After a stop start introduction Rhys showed a good attitude and looks to have a good finish in him.  He works hard for the cause and should have a good season in League One, but can he be consistent and can he hit double figures, or 20 a season, only tome will tell.

Kian Harratt (16 games, 2 goals) has had his troubles in his short career, the latest of which was a ban for betting on football matches.  This speaks of a lack of maturity and I feel it may be time to let Kian move on.  Having said that he could do a job at League One level, but I doubt that he will establish himself at a higher level.  Kyle Hudlin (10 games, 1 goal) does not look good enough for Huddersfield.  He lacks the all round qualities required and I feel he should be given the opportunity to move on.

Overall this has been a season we will want to forget, but learn from.  We had a lack of consistency, playing different formations game after game and different players game after game.  It is understandable when there are injuries or due to a lack of form but this was not often the case.  Across the defence we operated with a centre back at right back, with a back 5, a back 4, a central 3 with wing backs.  The centre back partnerships were never consistent.  Whilst Pearson and Helik weighed in with goals we only produced 1 other goal from across the defenders during the season.  Across midflield we had games where we had nobody operating on 1 flank with 1 or 2 operating on the opposite flank, unfortunately we often looked like we tactically had no idea how to play.  If loosing a game by the 1 goal we would on occasions take off the whole midfield and operate with 5 strikers.  Hardly surprising that we then saw less of the ball and conceded 4 goals.  Unfortunately there was little done right this season, but looking for the silver lining, we should now learn from these mistakes and move forward.

Town 0-1 Burnley

A new season starts and new hope is formed, but that felt short-lived. Town having lost in the play -off final and Burnley having been relegated was a stand-out fixture from the opening weekend. Both sides with new managers and Burnley having been completely overhauled and Town only having 5 players left from what started the last match, many were unsure of what to expect.

Burnley dominated the opening half controlling possession and overloading Town in key areas of the pitch. They played at a high tempo and closed down in numbers. Their play was very fluid with only really Barnes upfront sticking to his position. The movement was very reminiscent of Manchester City of the past 5 years. The only blessing for Town was that Burnley were wasteful when in good positions and once taking the lead they were happy to have a lot of possession in their own half. The goal for Ian Maatsen came after only 18 minutes. There had been a couple of early warning signs before then, but Town had appeared to defend the attack but the ball broke back for Burnley with Maatsen curling in well from inside the area.

Turton and Ruffels had been regularly exposed in the first half with at least 2 against 1 scenarios all the time. It was the same for Russel in the middle of the park. Koroma, Thomas, Holmes and Ward were isolated up the pitch, offering nothing in defence and so far removed from the other players that they could not link up with play.

The second half was at least competitive. Danny Schofield made no initial changes but we started to play a lot narrower with Thomas and Koroma dropping back a little more, we became more competitive in the middle of the pitch and were no longer being outnumbered in the key areas. We were still struggling though to create anything with Holmes and Ward very isolated. On 56 minutes Tino Anjorin and Jack Rudoni came on for Holmes and Koroma and instantly we had an inventive spark. Both players were dropping into midfield and running at the opposition. Burnley struggled with Tino and the only way they could stop him was to repeatedly foul, unfortunately though the set pieces from Thomas were poor. Burnley weathered the onslaught and then came back at Town and struck the post from a set piece of their own from debutant Scott Twine. Kasumu, Nakayama and Rhodes all came on before the end but we were unable to turn it around and Burnley were fair winners, a 1-0 defeat in fairness probably flattering Town.

Ratings

Nicholls 7, Turton 5, Lees 6, Edmonds-Green 6, Ruffels 4, Russel 5, Hogg 5, Thomas 5, Koroma 4, Holmes 3, Ward 5. Tino 7 MOM, Rudoni 7.

Nicholls was solid as ever and kept us in the game. Lees and REG were very busy, they struggled with Barnes and had little on offer to distribute the ball to. Turton & Ruffels were constantly exposed as Koroma & Thomas provided them with no protection. Russel had no options when on the ball and so was dispossessed too easily. Hogg rarely was in posession and the play past him by. Koroma and Thomas were far too advanced and failed to make us difficult to beat, Koroma being wasteful in possession and Thomas being poor with the free kicks. Holmes had his worst game for Towm offering nothing in defence or attack and Ward failed to drop back and link up play. Tino and Rudoni were hard working and driving us forward so it was not all doom and gloom.

Danny Schofield -4. We were lucky to get away with a 1 goal defeat. The tactics were wrong from the start and we should have done something to change that in the first period. Hogg dropping back into the defence, us playing narrower and Holmes dropping back would have made us more combative without making any substitutions. We would have seen more of the ball but we failed to change anything in the first period. Second half he did change it and the first 2 substitutions did begin to change things for the better. It was a poor start, but against 1 of the title favourites not the worst result. Very early days for Danny and with Birmingham and Preston up next these are winnabe matches so I would expect to see very improved performances.

Huddersfield Town Transfer Speculation

Summer signings

Vallejo, Brown, Blackman, Campbell, Sarr and Eiting all left with their contracts coming to an end.  There continues to be speculation about O’Brien leaving and less so speculation about Toffolo, Holmes and Nicholls.  I’m sure that Town would not want to sell any of them but at the end of the day every player has their price.

Looking at the free agents released by Championship clubs there could be a number that are of interest to Town:-

Alex Smithies (Cardiff).  I know there has been a recent trend of ex-players coming back to the club and that doesn’t always guarantee that they will be a success the second time around.  This one makes sense provided the salary is right.  Alex still has ties to the Town, he has experience at this level, he will not unsettle things by being second choice and is a more than capable replacement for Nicholls when needed.  Likelihood of being completed 8 out of 10.

Andre Gray (Watford).  Gray would offer a physical and quick presence in the attacking line if signed but his wage demands are probably beyond Town.  Would definitely add something extra.  Likelihood of being completed 2 out of 10.

Romaine Sawyers (WBA).  Always been highly rated but struggled to realise his full potential.  Could be a player to play in the number 10 position and offer much needed support to the front man.  I’m not too sure though that he would be a good fit at Town.  Likelihood of being completed 3 out of 10.

Looking at the free agents released by the premier league teams there aren’t many that are realistic apart from the youngsters that are a unknown contingent, however Conor may be worth a look:-

Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa).  Always rated Conor and he has experience at Premier League and Championship level.  Good striker of a free kick which whilst we have done well with set-plays this season we have lacked with taking shots direct from free kicks.  Conor would be a good addition but salary may be an issue.  I think he is more likely to pop up somewhere like West Brom.  Likelihood of being completed 4 out of 10.

Will Jaaskelainen (Crewe).  Jaaskelainen is still young at 23 and has clocked up a few lower league clubs and gained experience.  Provided he knows that he is not first choice he could be a good addition to the squad of keepers.  Available on a free and would not demand a large salary.  Could be worth a punt.  Likelihood of being completed 4 out of 10.

Kyle Hudlin (Solihill Moors).  We have been linked to Kyle for a few weeks now.  He may not be one for the first team this season but could offer us a little of something different standing at 6 feet 10 inch he would tower over others and provide a focal point of attack.  Provided players got close to him for the knock downs it would give us a different dimension.  Likelihood of signing 9 out of 10.

Jessie Debrah (Halifax).  Another one which it has been rumoured for a few weeks that we are due to sign.  The tall central defender would provide further strength in depth but in a position which he would unlikely be in the first team often.  Perhaps signed for the B team and see how he develops.  Likelihood of him signing 7 out of 10.

There are a number of players which I would like us to sign from the Championship such as Keane Lewis-Potter, but we would be no more appealing then many other destinations for players.  From League One there is Scott Twine from MK Dons.  Scott had a very good season and is very adaptable.  Players as a front man but does like to drop back into the number 10 type of role.  We do need some younger players in our attack and Scott has git some experience and comes off the back of a very strong season.  I think he would be a very good acquisition but MK Dons are unlikely to be willing to part with him cheaply.

On the loan front I am sure there will be a number of good quality youngsters about from the Premier League teams.  Young James McAtee from Manchester City is one which there have been a lot of rumours will be on his way to Town.  I am unsure how much playing he will get though so it will depend upon what the terms are of the deal.  Troy Parrott currently at Spurs would be a good shout and fill the gap left by Sinani.  I feel he would offer us more than Sinani did and after a loan to League One last season Spurs are likely to want him operating at a higher level this term.

I don’t expect there to be a lot of movement over the summer but in the coming weeks we will see.

Season 21/22 Review

Lee Nicholls

29 year old Lee Nicholls arrived on a free transfer from MK Dons and the fans did not know what to expect.  We all felt that we needed a proper first choice keeper after several seasons of players coming in and failing to impress and stamp their authority on the side.  Nicholls missed the first 2 league games of the season, a draw against Derby and defeat against Fulham due to a positive covid test.  He then made his first league start of the season in the 1-0 win over Preston which was Towns  first win of the season in our third game.  Nicholls had started against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup match before the positive test result and was a instant hero in the penalty shoot out in that match.  Throughout the season Nicholls went on to make 43 league appearances as he established himself as first choice having arrived after 131 games for MK Dons.

Nicholls brings a command of the penalty area to the side.  He is vocal in his organising of the defence.  Handling is strong and his positioning makes even difficult saves appear routine.  His distribution is good and manages time well when we are in front.

Without Nicholls we would not have been in the play-offs.  He has been essential to the club’s success this season and we need to keep him for the forthcoming season.

Jamal Blackman

28 year old Blackman arrived in January after his Los Angeles FC contract came to an end.  Blackman originally came through the ranks at Chelsea and has been at a host of clubs since.  He played in the FA Cup matches against Barnsley & Notts Forest before playing in the last league game of the season in the 2-0 win against Bristol City.  The only game where he was really tested was against Forest when he struggled but looked comfortable in the other games.

For an experienced keeper I would say he is not first choice material at this level but is a good second choice.  His contract is up at the end of the season so it remains to be seen as to what happens.

Ryan Schofield

Ryan had a very difficult season in the 2020/21 season.  Performances were littered with errors which cost the team dearly and the defence was very unorganised.  He got his chance to start again with a fresh slate at the start of the season.  He came through the game against Derby successfully without being too exposed but made errors during the Fulham game which cost us again and you could visibly see any remaining confidence disappear.  We didn’t see Ryan again until the FA Cup win at Burnley which we won but Ryan had to come off with injury after 40 minutes.

Ryans positioning, command of the area and handling are poor.  He is good at the reaction save, but lacks the confidence and self-belief to be a successful keeper at Championship level.

Ryan has a contract to run until the end of the 2023 season.  Personally, I feel it would be best for Ryan and the club if we looked to move him on.

Pipa (Gonzalo Ávila Gordón)

24 year old Pipa arrived from Espanyol for the 20/21 season and was a regular making 37 appearances and scoring 2 goals.  This season Pipa has been hampered with injuries and managed 14 games in the league.  When fit he struggled to hold down a first team start on a regular basis.

The Spanish under 21 international struggled a little in the first team this season.  Although being right footed he likes to cut in from the right and does have a tendency to want too many touches on the ball.  His finishing has been poor too which in his first season was much better.   Heading into his final season of his 3 year contract Pipa needs to step up and show more consistency.  He is only 24 but needs to improve his ability to spot when he needs to pass the ball.  Defensively he has improved a little but if we are to push for Premier league football then he needs to improve further.

Ollie Turton

29 year old Ollie arrived on a free transfer at the start of the season having turned down a contract from his previous club Blackpool.  Initially the fans were dubious over his acquisition and some nervy early performances from Ollie did not help.  He did however settle down and was used in a variety of positions.  Carlos showed consistent faith in Ollie and the fans soon came on board due to his consistency and not overplaying but doing the basics really well.  Ollie went on to make 40 appearances in the  league during the season, many from the bench but has been very impressive.

Turton is very consistent and keeps playing the simple ball.  I would like to see a little more confidence sometimes by putting the cross into the box rather than handing the responsibility over to someone else.  He has a good right foot and has been equally as comfortable at the right side of a central defensive 3 or as a right back/right wing back.

Dubbed the ‘Ginger Cafu’ by Town fans I would like to see Turton stay at the club due to his versatility and what he does offer when in the starting line up.

Harry Toffolo

Now 26, Toff arrived in the January transfer window during the 19/20 season, signed by the Cowley brothers who worked with him at Lincoln.  Until Lincoln Toff had struggled to breakthrough into a first team, but since working with the Cowleys he has been a first team regular.  He made 42 league appearances during the season meaning he has now played 92 times for the club with 9 goals, 6 of them coming during this season.  Toff has been a key part in the way that we play and with his contract coming to an end now Town need to act and if need be activate the 1 year extension although hopefully we can agree a longer new contract.

Toff operates as a left back/left wing back.  He gets forward regularly and could be mistaken for a left winger at times.  He is very affective in an attacking role and when asked to play more defensively you don’t get the best out of him but he is very capable and does what he needs to do for the team.  He is left footed but did score a cracking goal on his right foot against Coventry.  He has a good connection on the pitch with O’Brien and weighs in with goals and assists.  Very unlucky to have not won numerous penalties over the last games of the season, despite the genuine foul he does go down a little theatrically, similar to how Tom Cowan did back in the 90s which appears to influence the referees to not call the foul.

Hopefully Town can come to an agreement with Toffolo which will keep him at the squad for next season and beyond as he will be key to any success.

Josh Ruffels

Ruffels signed at the start of the season on a free from Oxford where he had been a regular starter for 8 years.  The 28 year old left back made 8 appearances over the season usually from the bench.  His first team opportunities were at a minimum due to the form of Toffolo.  He has looked steady as a left back however with such few minutes on the pitch it is hard to determine his long term ability for the team.  Certainly he is worth holding onto and should remain a squad player for the following season.

Matty Pearson

The 28 year old local lad from Keighley returned to Yorkshire after 3 years with Luton where he made 128 league appearances.  Matty made 37 league appearances with 3 goals during the season.  He was a regular on the right side of a back three.  Solid in the air and with decent distribution.  Matty picked up an injury towards the end of the season which meant he missed the last couple of months.  He is strong in the air, good in the tackle but perhaps not the quickest of centre backs.  Built a good understanding with Tom Lees.  Matty being on a 3 year contract should be here for the next couple of years and re-establish himself in the starting line-up next season.

Tom Lees

Tom left relegated Sheffield Wednesday for Town at the start of the season making 41 appearances with 3 goals.  He missed the first few games as it took a while to gain full match fitness.  There was some initial scepticism regarding Lees but he soon answered critics with his good consistent performances.  The 31 year old has been one of many stand out performers during the season.  His experience and reading of the game has been essential and will be again for any success in the coming season.  Lees is strong in the air and his distribution is consistently good.  He has operated n all 3 positions across the back line of 3 centre backs during the season but I believe he is more comfortable in the centre.  We need another good solid season from the towering centre back.

Naby Sarr

One minute Naby can be the hero and the next the villain.  Naby signed from Charlton in September 2020.  He had made 95 appearances with 6 goals for Charlton where he had been a first team regular.  In his first season at Town Naby had been a regular starter making 41 appearances with 4 goals, however after the arrival of others in the close season he dropped down the pecking order for the following season making 20 league appearances with 3 goals.  Naby is capable of popping up with a goal and is a handful in the air, being a big physical presence in both boxes.  He is capable of good cross field balls but can be very slow with his distribution and can dwell too long in possession, therefore he can create problems for his own defence.  It has to be said though that Naby has an instinct to defend and blocks shots well and on many times has cleared balls from off his own line.

Personally, I would be comfortable with Naby moving on in the close season although if he was to stay as a back up player that would be fine as well.  I do feel that Edmonds-Green should now be ahead of Naby.

Levi Colwill

Levi arrived on loan from Chelsea for the season and established himself in the side usually on the left side of 3 central defenders making 28 appearances with 2 goals in the league.  The 19 year old has been consistently good all season and does like to drive forward on occasions.  He is quick which has been key for the side as that is a downside of the other central defenders.  Levi was very unfortunate with the own goal in the play off final as he could not do anything with the deflection.  Hopefully Chelsea will allow him to return next season although I do feel that he will go to a higher profile club for a further loan.

Jonathan Hogg

Hoggy, better known as the General made 31 appearances with 2 goals during the season.  He is the longest serving member of the team and the sole survivor of the premier league stint.  Captain who after a dip in form mid-season came back stronger than ever.  As the season developed, he tended to drop back to play in the middle of a back 3 but is usually the holding midfielder.  His passing can be wayward on occasion, but his reading of the game is first class and we are a lot better with him than without him.  Having weighed in with 2 goals this season this has been the best goalscoring season Hoggy has had for us at the age of 33.

Still under contract Hoggy needs to stay and be used in the central defensive role going forward as his presence there provides us with better shape. 

Jon Russell

Big Jon Russell was signed for the B team from Chelsea but impressed quickly at that level that he was promoted to the first team and has not looked back since.  For a 21 year old he plays with a great maturity.  He dictates the pace of the game and is comfortable putting his foot on the ball and slowing things down.  Being the size he is and the quick skills he does possess opponents end up backing off and giving him space.  Jon still needs to develop but has come along really well this season and has to be considered a first team regular.  He has the ability to really command games and I look forward to seeing how he develops having played 19 times with 2 goals this season.

Lewis O’Brien

Yet another quality season for Lewis.  He just keep on getting better.  As the season progressed, he was targeted by the opposition who resorted to hacking him down every time that he got on the ball and due to the standard of refereeing there was never any protection.  Lewis has been more consistent this season clocking up 43 games and 3 goals.  He is still only 23 and has a big career still ahead of him, hopefully this will be with us but he is the most likely player to be targeted by Premier league teams and we may have to prepare for the new season without him.  Lewis is quick in the tackle but is equally as good on the ball running through the centre or off to the left.  He is very left footed and I would like to see him be able to use his right foot more than just to stand with.

Carel Eiting

Eiting returned to the club in January after being released by Genk, but struggled to get many minutes and failed to impress when he did get on the pitch.  He likes to play in an advanced central midfield role and to have time on the ball which he is not often afforded.  Carel is only on contract to the end of the season and I don’t expect it will be renewed.  He made 5 appearances this season with 1 assist.

Alex Vallejo

Vallejo has shown promise during his time with us but has failed to hold down a regular starting position largely due to injury but also due to the form of other individuals.  30 year old Alex managed just 5 appearances this season and with his contract coming to an end it is likely that it will not be renewed, however I would be quite happy if he did stay provided his injury worries are behind him.  He is a good passer of the ball who reads the game well but does not close down aggressively and tends to sit in midfield.

Tino Anjorin

Tino arrived on loan from Chelsea and struggled with injury, so his impact was limited to 7 games with 1 goal.  He is quick and likes to run at the opposition defence.  Against Coventry in his 20 minutes he tore them apart at will, but that was the only time we saw that from Tino.  I expect Chelsea will want a guarantee that he will play regularly next season if going out on loan so we may not see him return.

Rolando Aarons

Aarons is another one that has struggled consistently with injury having appeared on just the 1 occasion this season.  He needs to step up big time next season or be allowed to leave be it on loan or permanently.

Aaron Rowe

21 year old Aaron has only made 1 appearance this season due to injury and the form of others.  For his development he needs to go out on loan next season and get some first team experience.

Scott High

Scott started to make the grade at the end of last season and impressed enough to replace Hoggy when injured this term, but he struggled with the holding midfield role as time passed.  I’m not sure that we have found Scott’s best position just yet and he does need to improve considerably with his strength.  21 year old Scott made 22 appearances with 1 assist this season.  I feel he would benefit greatly through a loan to a league one side where he could get regular first team football. 

Sorba Thomas

What a season the 23 year old has had.  After arriving from Borehamwood in January of the previous season he appeared very raw and whilst full of running he looked to be a long way short of the player he has become.  I doubted that he was good enough for the first team but with 43 games, 3 goals and 12 assists, let alone the chances he created he has been one of the stand out performers of the season.  Hopefully we hang on to him and he can be a key player for us again this season.  He is particularly lethal from corners, but does need to improve with his delivery in open play.

Duane Holmes

The 27 year old arrived back at his first club from Derby the previous season and has been a regular in the side this season with 37 appearances and 5 goals.  Duane has had a good season and managed to influence many matches.  He is the type of player who can go missing at times and has struggled for consistency. I like his positivity as he always looks to get the ball and drive forward but his first touch can let himself down and he does like to make too many touches when he should play in a teammate much quicker.   Duane has had a very good season and he does give us a good balance to the attack but I feel that we have seen the best of him.  I’m happy for him to stay again this season but he does need to release the ball much quicker as he can get out muscled when he wants too many touches.

Danny Grant

Danny signed for us the previous season and immediately was injured he has never yet been able to get into the matchday squad.  He needs to go out on loan next season.

Jordan Rhodes

Jordan Rhodes arrived back at the club for the second time.  Having been a goalscoring machine the last time it was hoped that he could work his magic again, even after he had had a difficult seasons at Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich and Middlesborough, the fans were very pessimistic.  The 32 year old did not start too many games, but did manage to clock up 25 appearances and 3 goals.  Most of the appearances were from the bench but he weighed in with a couple of MOM performances late in the season and really showed that he still has what it takes.  Jordan offers us something a little different with his physicality and poacher instinct.  I believe he will be a part of things for the new season.

Josh Koroma

23 year old Koroma struggled for form this season but still managed 4 goals from 33 appearances.  Josh had been our most promising attacking player in the previous season prior to getting injured but has not yet been able to re-establish that form. He appears to be lacking in confidence but hopefully the club will extend his contract for a further season as I feel he can still offer the club something. Koroma does like to attack down the left side of the pitch ad cut back inside on his right foot, but he needs to believe in himself again.

Fraizer Campbell

34 year old Fraizer made 21 appearances for us during the season but most of them came early in the campaign.  Fraizer struggled for form being a little short of his usual pace and his touch was not as good as it used to be.  You can’t fault his commitment always harrying the opposition and playing with a real passion, but Championship level is too much for him now and being out of contract at the end of the season it is time for him to move on although he may be missed within the changing room.   

Danny Ward

31 year old Wardy missed large chunks of last season due to injury and many of the fans were pessimistic that he would produce this time.  He answered the critics though with 14 goals in 40 games.  He was always working hard closing down the opposition and dropping into holes to pick up the ball and help the team build attacks.  Danny will not be the most prolific striker as he does not possess loads of pace and tends to help build attacks rather than leading the line but he helps keep things intact and helps the side stay in games.  He picked up an injury towards the end of the season and did not quite re-establish his form.  He does need more support in the attacking areas than he has been getting.

Danel Sinani

Sinani has had a productive season with 6 goals from 43 games.  He was subbed many times during the campaign, but you could not fault his believe and passion.  The 25 year old worked well for the team keeping us compact but as a striker or attacking midfielder you need more form him.  He rarely created too much other than from set-plays.  Personally, I feel he is not good enough for where we are wanting to get to but with an option to sign being part of the loan agreement from Norwich I think we may end up signing him.

Overall

What a season.  Expectations were that we would be relegated but with a 3rd place finish and a narrow play off defeat we achieved so much.  The main thing now is that we build on what was achieved this season, to do this we need to keep the bulk of the squad together and make just a couple of additions.  If we start the season the way we finished and with a side knowing what is expected of them from the off then we can go a long way.  The past season started with a draw at the beleaguered Derby and then a thumping 5-1 home defeat to Fulham, but that was the lowest point of the season.  Gradually the team evolved and bought into the style of play Carlos wanted us playing.  We had to keep ourselves in matches and if we could snatch a lead, we played to try and see it out.  If we didn’t find the breakthrough then in the second half we would open up and go for it more.  The tactics worked, but Carlos was able to tweak things and brought in new players such as Russell from the B team that helped to give us more depth.  Even after the rare back to back defeat to Millwall and Bournemouth we went again and found our form.  Many thought we would fall away but we just got stronger, in the end we ran out of matches in order to achieve automatic promotion but went into the play offs with confidence, unfortunately we were unlucky in the end but are ready to go again next season.

Carlos Corboran

39 year old Carlos has proved all his critics and the majority of fans wrong.  Many expected he would be one of the first managerial casualties of the season and after the 5-1 home loss at the start of the season this appeared even more likely.  Over the course of the season he has proved that he is a tactical master working out how to get the most out of the players at his disposal.  There have been some similarities to the Wagner era with the togetherness that he had the players working with.  They operated as a team rather than a bunch of individuals and had a believe in themselves that we haven’t seen for many years.  A lot of people questioned the recruitment at the start of the season but bringing in players that were experienced at championship and league one level and approaching their prime worked.  These players had a great mentality that fitted in well with what Town were building.  We need to do the same again in the coming season, but no overhaul is needed just the addition of a few key personnel.  Hopefully Carlos will stay to carry on what he has started at Town.

Since writing the above Town have announced that Toffolo and Koroma have had their contracts extended for a further year but Sarr, Campbell, Eiting, Vallejo and Blackman have been released and Town are not taking up the option to sign Sinani.

Town 2-2 QPR

A bit disappointing to only get a point when most sides around us dropped points but in fairness this was a fair result. Town led twice through an early Hogg header which Barbet diverted into his own net and then when Toffolo thundered a header in from Turtons quality cross. QPR equalised through a close finish from Amos and a well struck close range volley from Chair. Town did not help themselves as they allowed Ilyas Chair as much room as he wanted all game and he was Rangers only dangerman. With the benefit of hindsight Town should have put Russell on him for 30 minutes and he would have disappeared from the game. In addition operating with Thomas up top to get in behind Rangers did not work as he was too often off-side or the pass was over hit. We could and should have been much better but we’ll take the point.

Nicholls 7, Turton 6, Lees 7, Colwill 7, Toffolo 7, Hogg 7 (MOM), Russell 6, Sinani 4, O’Brien 7, Thomas 6, Ward 5. Carlos 5 (got some of the tactics for this one wrong in my opinion)

Huddersfield 2-0 Luton

This was a big game with both sides having a great season although it is fair to say that Luton had stumbled in their last couple of matches. The visitors did look good and kept the ball well without really creating anything much throughout the whole game. It did take Town 60 minutes to find the breakthrough with an audacious effort from Russell just outside the area lifted over the keeper and in the far corner. The game then opened up and Town could easily of added more before substitute Sarr got on the end of a Thomas corner to head home. A thoroughly deserved 2-0 win despite a very suspect referee who awarded Luton a very dubious penalty.

Nicholls 7, Lees 8, Hogg 8, Colwill 7, Pipa 5, Toffolo 7, Russell 7, O’Brien 8 (MOM), Sinani 5, Ward 5, Thomas 7

Town 0-3 Bournemouth

A big game for us when we needed the senior players to show up, but sadly we failed to compete beyond the opening 15 minutes. Bournemouth found space easy in the game with Solanke dictating play. We played deep to prevent space in behind but then Bournemouth dominated the space in front of our defence. They played through our back line well with good movement and quick passing. On the ball though we really struggled and it was all a little slow. For the first goal Pearson was turned far too easily and a good ball then resulted with a tap in, for the second a defensive mix up which Lees missed the chance to clear resulted in a open goal. At the start of the second half a good sweeping move resulted in the impressive Solanke making it 3.

Rating

Nicholls 6, Toffolo 5, Turton 5, Pearson 5, Lees 5, Thomas 5, Russell 5, O’Brien 5, Holmes 4, Sinani 4, Ward 6 (MOM).

Millwall 2-0 Town

We came into the game wanting to put right the wrong against West Brom but we were not good enough and faded after ex-Town man Afobe scored his first for the night on 27 minutes after a misplaced pass by Hogg. In the second half a lucky ricochet fell to Afobe for him to seal the win. We rarely got into our stride and threaten enough at the right end of the pitch.

Ratings

Nicholls 7, Pearson 5, Lees 6, Colwill 6, Toffolo 6, Thomas 6, Hogg 4, O’Brien 6 (MOM), Holmes 5, Russell 6, Ward 6

West Brom 2-2 Town

Ordinarily this would have been a good point but considering our recent form and the fact that we were 10 minutes away from a good 3 points it was disappointing.

Town were on top throughout the game and were comfortably 2-0 in front and could have been further ahead. Ward had scored both goals, the first one by charging down Sam Johnstones clearance and the second when the keeper parried O’Briens shot into his path. On 84 minutes then Thomas cleared a corner from just inside the area but Alex Mowatt dived and the ref gave a penalty. Replays showed that Thomas was no where near making contact but unfortunately the ref had been conned and to rub salt into the wound Grant converted the spot kick. Having said that Town should have kept there heads but from the resulting kick off Hogg presented Wets Brom with the ball and they crossed for Carroll to score his first for the club.

Nicholls 7, Turton 7, Toffolo 7, Lees 7, Pearson 7, Hogg 5, Russell 7, Sinani 6, O’bRien 8 (MOM), Thomas 8, Ward 7.