Football Season Guide

Huddersfield’s previous season ended in abject failure as they somehow ended up losing 3-0 in an even play-off final against Peterborough. If it wasn’t for Brighton’s unexpected brilliance and Southampton’s unbelievable run of form in the second half of the season then Huddersfield would have been promoted comfortably. Indeed they went on a stunning 25 game unbeaten run in the league, a run which was ended at Wembley, and that still wasn’t enough to win promotion. Perhaps the Terriers drew too many games, but they are likely to still be nursing huge amounts of disappointment and will need to ensure they are fully focused on the challenge ahead as nothing but promotion will suffice this time. Clark has tried to keep the bulk of his squad intact but has had to cope with the loss of two big players in Lee Peltier and Anthony Pilkington, who suffered a broken leg with a few months left of the season but did enough to attract the interest of Norwich. However, Clark has signed winger Daniel Ward permanently following some eye-catching displays while on loan from Bolton and he will be a key player this season, while once again there is a host of new players joining the squad. The last few seasons have seen roughly equal numbers leaving and joining, but Clark’s squad looks on the large side at the moment and he could struggle to keep his players happy if he does not let anyone else go.