Coca Cola League One

Millwall 2-1 Huddersfield Town

Millwall v Town Match report (Official Site)

Where will the win come from? 4 games, no wins, 2 draws, we are bottom of League One - no wonder after this performance.

Town in front after 18 minutes, Liam Dickenson opening his Town account with a spectacular overhead kick, but that was as good as it got. Millwall equalised before half time, Tresor Kandol heading home a deep cross past a static Matt Glennon.

The winner came in the second half, Unsworth and Clarke getting in each others way, allowed the ball to be played through to Lewis Grabban who calmly slipped the ball under Glennon.

Town were thrown a lifeline in the 90th minute when awarded a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Michael Collins. David Unsworth (who I am told by an Evertonian never missed a penalty in 5 years while at Goodison) stepped up to take it (despite our recognised penalty-taker Phil Jevons being on the pitch), his strong shot though was straight at the Millwall keeper, and an undeserved point was not to be ours.

Stan Ternent on Millwall v Town

****

Everything Stan says at the moment infuriates me at the moment. Who does he think he is, been at the club 5 minutes and telling everyone "..it's my way or the highway..". From what I've seen ST is creating problems we didn't have!! We still have no-one who can play on the left wing effectively, our right backs are rubbish and Andy Holdsworth should be back in midfield where we got the very best of him last season.

With all the money he's spent I expected to see some results by now (I know it's only 4 games in, but bottom of the league with no wins is unacceptable). Leaves me wistfully wondering what might have been had Dean Hoyles money been available to Peter Jackson 2 years ago. At least we all know well that Jacko had Town well and truly at heart, something Andy Ritchie never had, and something I have yet to see from Stan Ternent. I'm worried even at this early stage.

I mentioned a little earlier on this week how we were supposed to be signing a left winger from Dagenham & Redbridge - nothing has come of it as the player concerned, Dominic Green, decided to join Peterborough instead, seems his agent got him a better deal (and more money for himself in the process I shouldn't wonder). Stan is far from happy at this behaviour predictably.

From The Top - Stan Ternent Column (Examiner)

Charming isn't it. Takes advantage of our hospitality, deal as good as done. Peterborough aren't short of a few bob, well known is that, and so it would seem that money has talked.

****

Lets hope we can kick start our season tomorrow at Millwall, as long as ST does not tinker with the side from Wednesday too much we should have a good chance fingers crossed.

Michael Flynn is upbeat despite last nights defeat.

Flynn - We Will Do Well This Season

He just shaded Nathan Clarke as my man of the match last night, Stan must continue to keep him in central midfield, it was a role that certainly got the best out of him last night.

Talking of N Clarke, despite him not being one my favourite players I feel it would be a tad harsh if he was dropped on Saturday should Andy Butler be fit.

Coca Cola League Cup Round 2

Huddersfield Town 1-2 Sheffield United

Town v Sheff U Match report (official site)

The score does not tell the story of this game. For most neutrals seeing the result they would probably assume it would be a true reflection, after all they are a league above us. But for 80 minutes of this match we were in charge completely, outplaying and bossing all over the pitch. A nonsense of a substitution changed things, and all the good work was unravelled.

Chance after chance for Town, Nathan Clarke missed two clear cut headers, we could have been 3 or 4 up no problem, but it was just a loveley piece of individual skill from Michael Flynn that seperated the two teams for most of this game, an excellent shot from 20 yards beating Blades keeper Ian Bennett after the 1/2 hour mark.

One substitution changed the game. Town had played 4-4-2 all night, and it had worked a treat with Messers Lucketti and Clarke cutting out any threat at the back, and Cadders, Roberts and Parker looking lively upfront. But for some unexplained reason Stan thought that 5 in midfield was the way to close out the game (how wrong can you be gaffer), and took off the hard working Luke Beckett in exchange for Jim Goodwin, leaving Cadders on his own upfront.

It was that decision that cost us victory, amazing how we fell apart. We totally lost our shape, and ultimately the game, when two goals in 3 minutes from Darius Henderson (after he had turned the ineffectual Robbie Williams) and a deflected effort from Kyle Naughton sunk Town.

Nearly but not quite.

STOP PRESS!!!!!!

Totally unexpected, but circumstances have changed - I WILL BE AT THE GAME!!!! An early finish I have managed to negotiate has meant availability - unreal!!!

Lets hope we can do the bizzo - UTT!!!!!!!!

Been trying to make sense of recent goings on, but didn't really want this post descending into a rant!! It has only been three games after all, however all does not look well. A plethora of central midfielders, no solution to the "..no left winger.." problem, Andy Holdsworth playing at right back (when on last seasons form he should be in midfield), rumours of discontent from the dressing room (and only rumours in case you are reading this Stan). Not promising.

From what I hear we should expect another signing (yes, yet another) tomorrow, this time a left winger from Dagenham and Redbridge. Hopefully the missing bit of the jigsaw!

I suppose expecting all those new players to gel straightaway is a bit much to ask, and maybe we should see where we are after 10 games (we might even still be in the League Cup as well by then, you never know) and complain then if nothing improves.

I expect the fact that we are 23rd in League One is nothing more than a temporary blip and we will put it all together eventually. But cheap season tickets or not, I do not expect attendances to rise past 13,000 at the moment. I will be at the Tranmere game Sept 13th, and I'm hoping we will have a couple of league wins under our belt by then. Playing Jevons would help, but if he is one appearance away from an extra £25,000 to Bristol City and not-Stans-sort-of-player it probably wont happen.

Wouldn't do any harm sending the likes of Berrett, Killock and even Tom Clarke out on loan, it would send out a bold statement by the gaffer by saying that although he has brought in new players, the youngsters we already have are important for the future, let them get some experience elsewhere. I think any offer for Luke Beckett would see him gone soon as well (transfer window shuts soon though).

Oh well, onwards to Wednesday and our cup game against Sheffield United.....

Huddersfield Town 1-3 MK Dons

A lukewarm performance against last seasons League Two champions, I'm glad I wasn't there. Two down before half time, Jude Stirling from a corner and Peter Leven after a breakaway that saw 5 MK Dons players against just Andy Holdsworth and Matt Glennon - dreadful.

3 behind after 64 minutes, Sam Waldock slotting the ball through Glennons legs to compound the misery.

Consolation near the end when Gary Roberts scored, but too little too late.

It's not looking good.

It's a lovely sunny day here in Crewe, but I have to work! Life is unfair, the temptation to throw a sickie is massive (better not though **groan**), would rather be travelling over for the game.

Come on lads, three points please (expect Liam D to get on the scoresheet at the first time of asking as well).

A coupple of small pieces of housekeeping prior to Saturdays game. It seems the club has been taking notice as regards the pitch announcer as the stand-in has now been given the gig "..for the forseeable future..".

Don't expect Phil Jevons to figure, as crafty old Stan has sussed that he is one appearance away from us owing Bristol City another £25,000 in fees. If he isn't Stans sort of player then there would be little or no hope of being picked (despite netting 2 for the reserves against Leeds in the week). Shame really as I rated him.

Work is the last place I want to be on Saturday **groan**

New face number 10 (albeit on loan), and a striker I rate very highly indeed.

Dickenson In Loan Deal

Even though he has only been at Derby a month, he's been loaned out to us. Saw a lot of this guy on local tv when he played for Stockport and he is a quality finisher. I see no reason why he cannot make the grade in League One as he did in League Two, I am delighted. Good work Stan!

Yet another signing - yet another midfielder though.

Craney Signs 3 Year Deal

Saw this guy score a cracking free kick for Accrington against Port Vale on The Championship on Sunday morning, so we know he can score. Could be another Roberts, who knows.

He takes David Mirfins number five shirt.

****

Cannot make the Sheffield United game, confirmed. A 6-30 pm work finish I can't get out of means a night in with Oggy and Kieran.

Colchester United 0-0 Huddersfield Town

Colchester v Town Match report (Official Site)

Stan Ternent On Colchester v Town

A game bereft of any incident (save a number of Town bookings), Matt Glennon was seen smoking a cigar at one point I'm told. Best chances of a poor game went to Boothy, but no way through could be found. Still, it is a clean sheet from what could have been an early season banana skin, and we are unbeaten of course.

Our next game is against, how did the new pitch announcer put it? Ah, yes - Franchise FC (aka MK Dons).

Back from my trip to Llandudno (The Searchers were absolutely brilliant btw), and now settling down to listen to Colchester v Town. It's the first match at their new ground, and fingers crossed all goes well. Problems with tickets and no parking near the ground sounds like a recipe for problems, and if we kick off on time I will be surprised.

Narrow win for Town, 1-0, Roberts to score - here's hoping!!

Signing number 8 - a gamble this one, as young Tom Denton is being recruited on potential and little else. He is a tall lad (think Peter Crouch), big Town fan (Boothy is his hero), and we beat off Crystal Palace and Blackburn Rovers. Not that much of a decision for the lad once he knew we were interested I suspect.

£100k is a lot for a non league teenager who was plying his trade for Wakefield FC, but if he fulfills his potential (and everyone I've heard from says he will do without question) that could be rather cheap. I trust Stans judgement, now lets see what he can do.

Tom Denton Signs 3 Year Deal

The second round draw for the league cup has managed to pair us at home to Sheffield United, not 3 weeks after we played them before. It's winnable without doubt. Assuming it isn't televised, I might try and get over for this (might need to call in a work favour for this though).

Chris Lucketti enjoyed last nights win, and rightly so.

Lucketti - We Can Keep Improving

League Cup Round One

Huddersfield Town 4-0 Bradford City

Town 4-0 Bradford (Official Site)

Stan Ternent on Town v Bradford (Official Site)

After a solid first half, Town completely obliterated our near neighbours with 4 goals without reply - a rout!

Jon Worthington scored with a header from a Robbie Williams cross in the 48th minute, Gary Roberts (MOTM again) made it two with a beautiful solo effort, splitting the Bradford defence in half, on 62 minutes. 75 minutes and it was all over as a contest when a Robbie Williams free kick found the back of the net, and it was Roberts again who ended proceedings by adding a fourth (pinching it off the toe of Danny Cadamarteri who would have loved to have scored against his former club) with 10 minutes to go.

Nights do not get much sweeter than this!!!

Farewell to one of my favourite players of recent seasons, as David Mirfin leaves for Scunthorpe.

Mirfin Signs 3 Year Scunny Deal

£150k and a sell on clause, good bit of business this. As much as I would rather see N Clarke on his way, it has been increasingly clear that The Ox did not really feature in Stans plans, particularly after signing Messers Butler and Lucketti.

Best of luck to him.

*****

League Cup action tonight, as we host Bradfords biggest game of the season (ha ha)! Nothing would delight me more than bragging rights after the match, such is my hatred for the rubbishy chickens. Stan is looking forward as well.

Stan Ternent on Town v Bradford pre match

Wonder who will play in Boothys place. I hope it is Phil Jevons, but it will probably be Luke Beckett.

Can't realistically see us failing tonight. Finance, as opposed to availability means I shall be absent (curses), my trip to Llandudno for a certain concert taking up my funds. Will be tuning in online though!

Coca Cola League One

Huddersfield Town 1-1 Stockport County

Town v Stockport Match report (Official Site)

Stan Ternent on Town v Stockport

Honours even at a damp Galpharm, when a new look Town side (6 of the new signings played) just couldn't find an opening day winner.

How apt in our centenary season that the opening goal be scored by Andy Booth. Gary Roberts (man of the match at a canter, more about this after) floated in the corner, and Boothy was on the end of it with a trademark header on the half hour mark.

Town almost went two up not long after, an excellent free kick from Roberts making County keeper fon Williams work hard to keep his side in the contest.

Disaster right on half-time, just as the pitch announcer (more about him after as well) was declaring "..the fourth official has indicated there will be 1 minute of added time..", a static Town defence watched as Tommy Rowe tapped the ball home from close range. There wasn't even time to kick off again!

Town had a few chances second half, but couldn't hit the target. Stockport came close to a winner as well, Matty Glennon making one acrobatic save to keep things level.

****

Some housekeeping...........

Ok, not the greatest performance ever seen, but I admit it was good to be back at The Galpharm. Of the new players, Gary Roberts was immense. He is going to be some signing, if consistent though it will be hard to hang onto him though. I thought all our new players contributed something yesterday, I like Jim Goodwin and David Unsworth (hope he signs), and although it was a bit if a stutter yesterday it is early days. Give the team ten games and see where they are then.

The new pitch announcer was amazing, shame that he is only a stand in for the new Welsh guy. Town have dropped a clanger big style, they have clearly employed the wrong person. I have emailed the club, that is how strongly I feel about this. He showed no nerves, the banter he had with the crowd, and the away fans as well, was superb.

Half time entertainment - I think the car people will sleep easy, it'll never be won. 30 yards away? More like 50!!! Still, its a bit of fun and I enjoyed it very much.

The big screen is brilliant. To those who think there are too many adverts - how else do you think we are going to re-coup any of the dough we shelled out for it, it's a no-brainer. I really enjoyed the montage of old Town footage before the game as well. Not sure there is any point in showing the game "..as it happens.." though, and I missed seeing the latest scores, something I hope will be rectified.

Matchday at long last - and the weather is appalling!!! It's been persisting down with rain all morning, a far cry from the weather we had last time we played Stockport on the first day of the season 4 years ago. I was one of the poor souls behind the goal at Edgeley Park that day, and with typical blonde-negligence gone out unprotected - the sunburn I suffered is almost too painful to forget!! Of course we won (just *laughs*) that day, and I would be a bit miffed if we didn't get all 3 points today. No disrespect to Stockport, I suspect we might just be a goal or two too good for them.

The new season is only one day away, and Stan is hoping to make at least one more signing - triallist David Unsworth, though if you read what the Gaffer says closely it looks like money is the sticking point.

Ternent: Town Ready To Rumble

Safe to assume that Unsworth (or his agent) is asking for top dollar. Knowing full well that he is wanted, and using that as a bargaining tool. It would be a shame if some middle ground could not be found between our estimate and his.

***

Who is going to do well in League One this season. It's easy (and a bit lazy) to say that the relegated teams have the best chance for a return. I disagree however. I expect Leicester to be there or thereabouts, but cannot see any chance of a quick promotion for Scunthorpe or Colchester.

It grieves me to say it but Leeds have to figure don't they (except when they play us), and of the League 2 promotees it will be likely that Peterbrough will do the best.

To go down? Probably Hereford and Hartlepool, although I can see Millwall struggling. My near-neighbours Crewe Alex missed relegation by a gnats eyelash last season, however (and it grieves me to say this as well) I don't think they will figure in the basement scrap this time.

As for Towns prospects - well, as usual play-offs will have to be minimum, but I can definitely see us doing better than that. I can see us in the top 2 easily as long as we don't lose key players, and the new boys gel early. A Centenary season to remember? Why the hell not.

COME ON STAN, RONNIE AND THE LADS - GIVE US SOMETHING TO CHEER!!!!

Herbert Chapman Trophy 2008

Huddersfield Town 1-2 Arsenal

Town 1-2 Arsenal (official site)

Very nearly, just not quite. James Berretts second half deflected effort not enough for Town as two late strikes from Arsenal youngsters Watt and Barazite mean victory for the Gunners.

***

A very promising display by Town I thought, Cadders looked lively and I thought Jim Goodwin played well. Not sure what the point of playing 3 keepers was though!! I am looking forward to Saturday all the more, I can feel a great performance coming on.

BONUS!!! Despite the fact I am very much at work, I spotted one of the TVs we have in the office tuned to Arsenal TV of all things. After negotiating, I managed to get a TV a bit nearer to me to show the same, so I am able to watch the game (while working, naturally).

It is half time at present - 0-0. From what I have seen, Town have more than held their own, Cadders looks very lively, the defence seem to be holding up, Matt Glennon only had one save (I saw) to make. Very promising!!!

Tonight sees our Herbert Chapman Trophy encounter against Arsenal, although if I had been one of the 15,000 or so who had bought tickets I would have been a little miffed at the "side" that The Gunners are putting out.

To be honest, it's almost mis-representation. A more realistic way to advertise tonight would have been Town v Arsenal XI, or Town v Arsenal Acadamy, so bereft is the squad. Complaints? Form an orderly queue!! On the team list I saw, I only recognised Theo Walcotts name, although I admit I don't follow Arsenal that closely. The fact that many Town fans think Wenger is taking the proverbial means there are not too many on the list who will be familiar.

A big crowd, live on Setanta and then they do that. I'm sure there will be many, many Town fans who may feel a little short-changed.

Andy, a Stockport County supporter asked for some answers to a few questions prior to Saturdays game, and I was delighted to oblige. The rest of the site is informative as well, good stuff.

Hatters Matters Q & A

Am really looking forward to Saturday with a vengence, and as I mention in the article I expect a Town vistory, but don't see Stockport going down. I am a huge fan of Jim Gannon as I have mentioned in the past and think they will more than hold their own in League One.

Pre-Season Friendly

Huddersfield Town 2-1 Sheffield United

Town 2-1 Sheff Utd (Official Site)

Ronnie Jepson on Town v Sheff Utd (Official Site)

Town get back to winning ways against The Blades (including J Stead of course). Sheff United took the lead in the 12th lead when veteran Gary Speed headed home a long throw in.

Town on terms in the 28th minute, Michael Flynn finding Danny Cadamarteri who put the ball between Uniteds keeper Paddy Kennys legs. 1-1 at half time.

A flurry of substitutions for both sides, and it was from the bench that Towns winner came. A mis-placed clearance from the United defence allowed Keigan Parker to hammer a sweet volley into the net for victory!!

An excellent article from the Yorkshire Post, an interview with Dean Hoyle.

Dean Hoyle Interview

I partcularly like these passages:

"I sat down with Stan at the start of the summer and he said 'Dean, if we want promotion, changes will have to be made because these players will not get us up'. After having a long, hard look at the squad, Stan felt there simply were not enough winners in the team and that is why, come the opening weeks of the season, I expect us to have made 10 new signings in total."

"Stan wanted to shake things up at the club, which I think we all agree is something that needed to be done. It is a new start on every level – in the boardroom, the dugout, in the stands with all the season tickets we have sold and on the pitch."

Good times and happy days on the way? We can only hope!

Friendly action again today with a noon kick off against Sheffield United (a quick chance for Chris Lucketti to face his old teammates). Now I am off work today, as I will be next Saturday, however as in other years my Other Half frowns on me travelling over for friendlies so I'm stuck at home (counting down the days.....).


Lets hope we can put the recent disappointing results behind us in readiness for the visit of Arsenal!!