Luke Beckett tells it like it is.

Beckett: Town Are Average

Ironic that the one person who has probably suffered the most when we play awful (lack of service) is the one who has to point out what we all know already.

I'm still bitterly upset at yesterdays defeat. I can cope with us losing, it happens habitually, but just not in that fashion. It's all well and good AR locking the lads in for 45 minutes after the match, but they will still get payed, still have their big posh cars and cushy lifestyle, whereas me, Luke and every one of the 1,095 had to pay to watch. As I have already said, the club should be compensating us. It's an outrage that any Huddersfield Town side should put up such a spineless performance.

That said though, I will be daft enough to turn up at Port Vale in a fortnight, may even see if I can get a ticket for the Leeds game.

I love this Football Club and always will, but I think we all wondered yesterday if the players cannot be bothered, then why should we.

Oldham Athletic 4-1 Huddersfield Town

Just go Andy, and take Williams, Sinclair and N Clarke with you

If I thought it would do any good, I would email Ken Davy tomorrow and demand compensation for this debacle. £20 to get in £15 petrol, + Lukes admission / pie / pop is getting on for another tenner, my ruined trainers. Yeah, £80 should cover it Ken. Its the least he should be offering the faithful who trekked to Oldham to watch a performance even worse than the terrible weather. To be honest, an abandonment was the very best we could have got in the circumstances. There was no passion (except for J Worthington, which earned him another yellow card), no commitment, no interest. And don't get me started on the defence (except for Rob Page, who although not as impressive as he has been, did what he had to efficiently enough).

Town behind in the 7th minute, Sinclair, so often a yard or more behind play, gave the ball away, some tight passing opening the Town defence with ease, Smalley hit the crossbar with his shot, the rebound bundled over the line by the impressive Jason Jarrett with the defence just standing there. Dreadful, and it did not improve one jot.

Five minutes before half time, Sinclair yet again with a poor touch, Smalleys pass played in Leon Constantine, and he made no mistake picking his spot with ease. 3-0 before half time, Jason Jarrett scoring the goal of the game. Nathan Clarkes clumsy handball on the edge of the box giving Jarrett the chance to curl and excellent free kick around the wall giving Glennon no chance.

The chant of What A Load Of Rubbish / You're Not Fit To Wear the Shirt echoed around the stand as the lads trudged off at halftime.

Even worse was to follow as Town conceded a fourth. It looked from where I was sitting (about as far away as you could get admittedly) that Matt Glennon had cleared the ball off the line, the lineman deciding otherwise.

It should have been 5-0, Michael Collins foul in the box allowed Jason Jarrett the chance to complete his hat-trick, only to be foiled by Matt Glennon who saved well (highlight of the match for me).

Just to prove that AR had totally run out of ideas, he replaced Luke Beckett with David Mirfin, with Mirf going up front - I ask you! Mind you, I suppose our clueless leader may have thought it was justified when Mirf scrambled home a 90th minute consolation. To top it all, the rain fell even heavier as we left the ground, resulting in a total drenching for the pair of us as we headed back to the car.

AR is embarrassed, and so he should be.

Ritchie: This Is A Disgrace

*****

My "..brainwashing.." (Sams words) of my dear nephew Luke seems to be working. He is more than happy to be seen wearing one of my old Town shirts to games (can't quite bring myself to give said garment to him, it's my Cardiff Playoff shirt, I'm rather fond of it), and he drapes my scarf around him (makes me glow with pride), but he excelled himself yesterday. The guy who was sat with his family in front of us yesterday turned round and said to Luke (pre match) "....do you think we will win today?..". Luke replied, with enthusiasm "...ah yeah 2-1 Town to win..". The chap continued "..who's your favourite player?..", reply, with a big grin on his face "...Luke Beckett..".

Bless, my hard work is beginning to pay off. He also knows that Matt Glennon is the keeper as well, so I'm getting there. Although I had to spend 5 minutes explaining why Robbie Williams was being referred to as "Charlie" by some (a sentiment I endorse, Charlie Williams, despite being very much dead, would have done a far better job yesterday).

Setting off in about an hour, just awaiting Lukes arrival. A draw would be a good result, any more would be excellent of course, but we shall see. Looking forward to this.

Finally got a Saturday off tomorrow, so me and young Luke will be in attendance at Oldham. I don't want anyone thinking we are only going because we are on the back of two wins, and that I have manipulated the BBC Sport League One predictor to get Town in the playoffs with an unbelievable run that will continue in the form of an easy win tomorrow!!! I am off and Oldham is not that far. Looking forward to it as well, not seen the lads since the Brum game. Also it might lessen the earache I get from my sister because Luke keeps mithering her about going to another game (she is not keen, rather he went with me as previous).

Two of last seasons Town cast-offs haven't fared too well at their new club......

McAliskey Freed

Didn't take Mansfield long to find out what we'd known for years presumably. Shame he was such a lazy toe-rag, lad of his height and ability (when he put it all in) should have achieved more.

McIntosh Leaves Mansfield

Shame really, but maybe age has caught up with poor old Tosh after all. The word retirement wasn't mentioned, but would be surprised to see him back at league level now.

Didn't realise when watching Town on Crossbar Challenge that AR had created a TV first!!


Crossbar Triumph For Ritchie


The future is definately looking bright for James Berrett.

Berrett Flying High

Should've been playing Leeds tonight. West Yorkshires finest had already seen fit to move it from Easter Monday afternoon, only for it be further moved again because of 3 Leeds reserves bench-warming in friendlies for their countries this week, a move that well have played into my hands somewhat.

Had the match been played tonight work would have once again intervened, however, and whisper this quietly, I have plans afoot to make the trek over on the 15th April. No official confirmation yet of the time off requested, but news is imminent. Watch this space!!!

I'm at work at the moment, and usually if you can get a seat near the TV bank in our office you are fortunate. Its a good place to sit, particularly if it is a quiet day, you get to see footy / horse racing / cricket / whatever undisturbed most of the time. I can see the Man U v Liverpool game, but more annoyingly Gretna v Celtic. Trust me to look up from what I was doing to be confronted with Mick Wadsworths ugly fizzog a foot away from mine - ugh and horror in equal measure.

Bristol Rovers 2-3 Huddersfield Town

Now that's what I call a result!! Our season retains at least a weeks more interest after this well fought victory.

Not all plain sailing, with Town behind twice in this match. In the 20th minute, Rovers debutant Josh Klein-Davies scoring from a corner that Matt Glennon came to punch for. Town on terms before half-time with James Berrett scoring the first goal of his career. Frank Sinclairs good ball across the box was not dealt with by the Rovers defence, Berrett allowed time to control before smashing a left foot shot home.

Second half, and Town found themselves behind again. Chris Lines got the better of Michael Collins before sliding the ball into the goal from an angle.

Town were not done, far from it. Chris Brandon made the scores level again, after a long throw from Nathan Clarke was flicked on by Andy Booth, and Brando knocked the ball in from 8 yards, making for a very interesting last few minutes.

2 minutes to go saw Town get their winner, and a beauty it was. Michael Collins left foot curler from the edge of the box after good play from Andy Booth sending the small travelling contingent delirious!!!

It took an excellent save from Matt Glennon and the crossbar to prevent a 3-3 scoreline right at the death, but victory was ours

Operation Playoffs, or too much to do. Who knows...............

Away at Bristol Rovers today. I'd be happy with a point, but who knows. After Tuesday night can you believe there are STILL some who think we can reach the playoffs, believing that a good run now could leave us with a good shout. Not just a good run, but we would need a few other results as well to have even an earthly. Won't happen. Even if we do win today, it won't happen.


***

Watching Soccer AM before work at the moment (not something I usually tune in for I admit), and the Lincoln fans are on singing Jackos name. Nice. Made me smile!!

Also, Town on Crossbar Challenge........

Crossbar Challenge Soccer AM

Huddersfield Town 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

A record low crowd (as predicted) of 6,004 (300+ travelling) saw Town take all 3 points, that will all but guarantee safety for another season.

Town in front after 4 minutes, Andy Holdsworth latching onto Luke Becketts inch perfect, defence splitting pass, and made no mistake right-footed past the Brighton keeper.

Town definitely having the best of the play, chances for Andy Booth, Luke Beckett, Nathan Clarke and Michael Collins, but only 1 up at half time.

Referee Deadman decided to get into the action 5 minutes into the second half, Andy Holdsworth clumsy challenge leaving him with the easiest of decisions. Nicky Forster duly obliged.

Town not to be denied, and they were awarded a penalty of their own, when Chris Brandon was felled in the area (various sources inform me that contact was minimal / non existent, depending which stand you were sitting in). Luke Beckett calmly dispatched the spot kick, and the 3 points were ours.

***

A far better performance than Saturday, but what was more interesting was the appearance of more than one unemployed manager in the crowd. Micky Adams (mentioned in dispatches last time we had a vacancy) and Chris Hutchings (as a guest of Graham Leslie (apparently Towns mystery take-over king if the rumours are true)) to name two, circling round like the proverbial vultures, AR must be a bit relieved we won tonight........


AR on Town v Brighton (written)

Our esteemed leader finally breaks his silence.

Ken Davy - You All Deserve Better


You don't say... at least you don't have to pay to get in Mr Chairman!!!!!

Home action again tonight with Brighton the visitors, with the crowd expected to be even lower than the record low league gate that witnessed the 1-0 victory over Millwall in the fog. Ok, we are playing for nothing and its going to be cold, and the away following will be almost non-existent, but that would not have prevented a 8 or 9000 + crowd on Tuesday nights of yesteryear. Things are bad, really bad. Victory tonight should confirm our League One status for yet another year, but that would only paper over the cracks of what has been one of the poorest seasons in living memory.

Huddersfield town 1-2 Southend United

They say it isn't over until the fat lady sings, and she was well and truly warbling away when Southend wrapped up all 3 points (deservedly) at a sparsely populated Galpharm. Less than 8000 souls watched Town play cluelessly for large parts. How much more are we expected to put up with.

Southend in front on half time, Hal Robson-Kanu shooting through a crowd of statuesque Town defenders, past an unsighted Matt Glennon. Towns only effort of a pitiful first half display, a wayward Robbie Williams effort (I struggle to believe we sold GTF to buy him).

No better second half, only Andy Booth emerging with any credit, holding the ball up while the rest of the Town players seemed to have no idea what to do - then unbelievably, an equaliser - Andy Booth rising highest to head home a corner with 15 minutes left.

Would we hang on for an undeserved point - no. 93rd minute and a long punt upfield was collected by Adam McCormack, who strolled through a non-existent Town midfield to tuck away a left foot shot. No more than Town deserved. Utter garbage.

****

At least when we were bad under the auspices of Wadsworth, you could argue that the lads weren't being paid, but whats the excuse now. With falling attendances, fans with 40 or more years Town watching behind them threatening to not renew season tickets, something has to happen.

Andy Ritchie was second choice, we all know that, and he's behaving like second choice as well. I never advocated his appointment, however I was prepared to give him a chance, but the fare served up this season has been an embarrassment; furthermore you know that Ken Davy will not have the balls to do anything.

I hear a rumour that a possible takeover is on the cards again - lets hope that this time we get a positive outcome, someone who cares about Town, with some brass in his pocket to boot, and someone not too frightened to ring the changes and stop the rot.

I still don't think we will go down, 2 clubs in admin + Port Vale already gone, surely we will find at least one team who will have less points than us, but at the moment a 16th or 17th place finish in a league where we could have, and should have done better is the best we can hope for. We cannot hide behind a decent cup run. It's been a shocking season.

Home action tomorrow with Southend the visitors. A familiar name (for those with long enough memories) could be in the Southend team.....

Zoltan Liptak In Southend Squad

They saw something in him that Jacko evidently did not!!!

I still don't think we will go down this season, and 3 points tomorrow (I'm confident we'll get them) will seal that I am sure. Playoffs = will not happen.

Phil Jevons injury he picked up against Hartlepool could keep him out for a few weeks.

Jevo Calf Injury Woe

Leaves us a bit short striker-wise, AR is trying to drum up a replacement (like he has been trying to do for weeks and weeks and weeks..............)

Ritchie In Loan Striker Hunt

My friends at the FFA have had a meeting with Sean Jarvis today. Its excellent that SJ is taking the time to listen to what they have to say, a positive move to have this line of dialogue between supporters and the club.

"...Several of our group met with Sean Jarvis earlier today to discuss a number of supporter issues, and to try and establish a line of communication between the club and its fans.We felt that the meeting was productive, and we are hopeful that things can develop over the subsequent months, and a regular meeting can be arranged.

This will need a unified supporters group/body, and this is something SJ would like to see happen. SJ should hopefully report back to the rest of the board about the ideas we suggested and discussed.

We will look to press ahead with a unified supporters group. We are currently working on a set of ideas that a dynamic supporters group should be able to present to the fans. Also the fact we are continually working to improve contact between club and fans goes hand in hand with other initiatives we are hoping to present in the near future.

The main points discussed were:

1) Ticket Pricing: The club is looking at this as we speak. They have discussed 4 scenarios and will be making an announcement on 12th April. Apparently, the fans "should not be disappointed".We pointed out that the club needed to do something special to entice fans back, and to maintain the current numbers. A significant price drop should be considered, especially as this may entice people to buy extra merchandise if the match costs weren't as high.

2) Centenary Season: The club apparently has things in hand. Again an announcement is due in April which will highlight their plans. It is centered on the Arsenal game, but they realise they need to deliver, as things seem to have gone quiet with regard to the Centenary 'celebrations'. The winner of the new shirt poll will be revealed in due course, but he did say the red one hadn't won.

3) South Stand: We stressed that this was a priority for many fans and, if successful, it should create a better atmosphere, which may in turn result in better results. We pointed out that, although the police may have misgivings, the South Stand has previously been occupied (in part) by Town fans and as such it should be possible again (even if this is only whilst the club is in League One and the number of away fans was generally small). SJ said that Ken Davy would welcome Town fans in that stand. SJ has promised to look into it further, and see whether it is logistically possible.

4) Catering: It was agreed that the standard is not acceptable, especially at the prices being charged. The quality is poor, and the service has been deplorable. SJ suggests that if anyone has any comments they should email himself and/or Gareth Hardcastle who is in charge of the catering company’s performance.

5) Smoking: SJ has agreed to look into the current situation where the stewards in different parts of the ground are applying differing levels of enforcement. We asked that he looks at creating designated smoking areas near the turnstiles, to be used at half time only, which if used properly should reduce the friction between smokers and stewards...."

*****

I await with interest what the club has planned for the Centenary, and the pricing for Season Tickets. No way can prices stay as they are, with what fare we are presently served up. It will be good PR if Davy can see his way clear to lowering prices. Also, for what it is worth I think the South Stand thing is a non-starter. I don't necessarily agree with Towns / WYPs stance about logistics, but they will always give that as the reason, as they always have, so it is not worth fighting for in my opinion.

Hartlepool United 2-1 Huddersfield Town

A goal in either half, replied to by a Nathan Clarke effort, was enough to give Hartlepool all 3 points at a very cold and wet Victoria Park.

Sam Collins (yes, that one) opened the scoring with a free header in the 29th header. Town lucky not to be further behind when a Nathan Clarke mistake went unpunished shortly after. Luke Beckett missed the best first half chance for Town.

Sinclair and Williams were both poor again, and Rob Page was unusually under par, and it was a combination of all 3 of them that led to Hartlepools second goal. Some calamatous defending, an effort hitting the post, a goalmouth scramble, but eventually Michael Mackay doubling the lead for the hosts.

A chink of light in the 64th minute when Nathan Clarke met to head home Andy Holdsworths cross, but the game petered out pretty much after that.

Our season is now effectively over, but guess what our esteemed leader cannot go without saying - the 'p' word (meaning playoffs of course)......

AR on Hartlepool v Town (written)

Half time Hartlpool 1-0 Town

Sam Collins (you might know) scored with a header, Matt Glennon made a fine save also to keep us in it. Luke Beckett missed a sitter, Oggy and Mark Lilis still think we are not out of this though.

Away action again shortly at Hartlepool. Lets hope we can pick up from where we left off on Saturday, if only to let AR mention the playoffs in his aftermatch thoughts again!!!!

Leyton Orient 0-1 Huddersfield Town

Well, I did predict this didn't I!! Rob Pages return = another clean sheet, and a good all round performance = 3 points. Town were comfortable for most of this game, had Phil Jevons not left his shooting boots at home we could have had 2 or 3 more. Orient created little.

Luke Beckett was the Town hero, coming off the bench to score with just over 10 minutes to go. Andy Holdsworth played Andy Booth into space and his excellent ball across the goal gave Beckett the easiest of chances.

Orient threw all they could at Town for the remainder of the match, Nathan Clarke clearing one effort off the line, but Town emerged victorious to the delight of nearly 500 travelling Terriers (not a bad turnout after Tuesday, about as many as Swansea brought to the Galpharm last week and they are top of the league)!!

Town are in the capital today, at Leyton Orient - 3 points are essential today. With Rob Page back I'm hopefull we won't concede, depends if we can score. The very narrowest of wins for Town (here's hoping, fngers crossed).

12 months ago yesterday we sacked Peter Jackson. Does anyone think that in that time since that Town are in any better shape or have progressed? Thought not. I did say at the time it would solve nothing, and even if it was the right decision ultimately it hasn't.

Out of the loans / signings AR has brought in, what can be said:

Cadamateri - Injured
Kamara - Inconsistent
Williams - Injured, now looking useless
Wallwork - Flattered to deceive
Keogh - Rubbish of the very highest order
Jevons - Lazy, inconsistent
Page - The only decent signing, player of the season

And this is courtesy of a manager who has had more money thrown at him in 12 months then Jacko had in 4 years.

If we finish higher than our current position of 16th it will be an achievement. Any talk of playoffs now is frankly embarrassing. Defeat on Saturday and next Tuesday relegation is the more likely outcome (although in my heart I believe we will not go down).

Swindon Town 3-2 Huddersfield Town

More miserable defending (this seems to be the normal without Rob Page) costing Town at least a share of last nights spoils. 3-0 down after 30 minutes, Swindon looking like they would score every time they went forward. We were awful.

A chink of light when Town were awarded a penalty before half time after Michael Collins was fouled, Phil Jevons tucking it away easily. although it could have been worse for Town had Matt Glennon pulled off a wonder save shortly after

Swindow were reduced to 10 men in the second half when a shocking tackle on Malvin Kamara earned Lee Peacock a red card. A second sending off for Swindon, when a goal-bound shot was swatted away on the line by the hand of defender Billy Paynter (despite the fact the ball ended up in the net). A second penalty was awarded, and Jevons calmly scored for the second time.

Not enough, even against 9 men we created nothing of note and defeat was the outcome.

Unless we can turn things around against Orient on Saturday and Hartlepool on Tuesday we will be dragged down into the relegation mire no question. Tough times ahead.

AR on Swindon v Town (written)

*****

"The first half cost us" A Ritchie

No shit, Sherlock!!

half time Swindon 3-1 Town


Utter rubbish. 3 easy goals (so says P Ogden), replied with Phil Jevons penalty. We are in trouble.

AR is bullish about our chances tonight.

AR on Swindon v Town pre match

We managed to beat them at the Galpharm, and I'm confident we'll get a point, anything more would be a bonus (anything less would be worrying). Will be tuning into these pair tonight, hope its worth it.

(Can you believe I am forgoing a night out bingo playing with my sister (she is not amused by thwe way) for this).

Danny Schofield was humbled by the reception he got as a late substitute on Saturday.

Scoffer - It Will Be Hard To Leave

I think he's right when he says that he hasn't been at his best this season, not surprisingly considering what he was going through off the pitch. He'll be all the better for a fresh start elsewhere.

****

Wonder how many fans we will take to Swindon tomorrow night. Cannot see it bettering the 100 and odd that went to Swansea. We now have 3 away matches on the trot. Get nothing and we will be in big, big trouble.

Huddersfield Town 0-1 Swansea City

Spineless, gutless, no fight - and that was just AR, never mind the players.

One down thanks to Jason Scotland stabbing home from a flicked on corner right on half time, our esteeemed leader should have been ringing the changes for the second half, right? Wrong. No subs until the last 15 minutes, with Town going absolutely nowhere by then. Rubbish. Glad I missed it!!!! Rob Pages' sending off for 2 yellow cards compounding the dross. We created nothing of note, and anyone thinking of going Swindon on Tuesday must want their head reading.

This is what AR thought of it - apologies to all those who think he was watching a different game / side entirely.

Playoffs?? Get real Andy, we will be lucky to stay up with much more of this drivel.

AR on Town v Swansea (written)

***

Nearly, but not quite.

Town Miss Out On McLeod

I heard in the week that Barnet of all teams were after him, and I actually posted on DATM that if they could do that why couldn't we - turns out we very nearly did. And so AR has been "..knocked back.." by everyone he's approached (wonder why). Puts me in mind of when Jacko said he had approached 30 clubs about players and got nowher, and was slated. Andy Ritchie is getting off a little lightly methinks.

I really do not feel like going to work. Its not usually a problem, I go to work, get on with it and come home again. But today - don't want to go, really don't want to go at all, want to go the match instead big style. Work totally dis-interests me today. Worst of it is though I don't begin my shift until 1/2 past 1 this afternoon - I could be nearly in Huddersfield at that time.......... groan.

Fingers crossed that the lads can get 3 points against league leaders Swansea - only wish I could be there, life's unfair!!