All the news from February 2004

29/02/2004

More than a week on and still Lincoln City are moaning about the Terriers winning goal at the McAlpine Stadium. A disgusted Imps Chairman has revealed that he has written to the FA to protest about the decision made by referee George Cain. Cain has correctly defended his good decision to allow Pawell Abbott's winning goal to stand, but the Imps Chairman Rob Bradley states that it is an "unsatisfactory" decision.
Non-league manager Paul Mitchell (of Lincolnshire side Gainsborough Trinty) has said that Cain should be struck off the referee list and agreed with Lincoln City that the goal should not have stood. He called the decision "ridiculous" and said that someone should send the tape to FIFA and demand a replay - but what Mitchell seems to be forgetting is that according to the rules, the Abbott goal was within the rules, hence why Cain allowed the goal to stand
-
The whole squad are to be involved within a training session today as Peter Jackson prepares his players for a tough Tuesday match with 6th place Yeovil Town - at the McAlpine Stadium kick-off 19:45
-
The postponement of the Carlisle United game may just have been a blessing in disguise for Town. Not only have United only lost twice since December and are committed and playing well, despite been bottom, they are also in the top five list of the best current home form in the division. The Cumbrians have a totally new look side with solid veteran players such as former Bury boss Andy Preece, Kevin Gray and Tom Cowan, professionals with plenty to offer
-

28/02/2004

Last Match: Carlisle United p-p Huddersfield Town (result)
The Terriers were left frustrated this morning, as referee Colin Webster deemed the Brunton Park not playable and postponed the third division league clash between Carlisle United and Huddersfield Town. The Cumbrians saw temperatures plummet last night and the referee called the clash off following his 10:30am pitch inspection based on a frozen pitch.
Peter Jackson has confirmed that now all thoughts switch to the midweek game with Yeovil Town, although he is disappointed that Town are not able to add to their current good away form.
Temperatures dropped to -4 and it came as no surprise that Webster choose to cancel this fixture. No arrangement date as been confirmed, although it will mean another long midweek evening match for the Terriers - to add to the previous one's of Yeovil Town and Bristol Rovers that were both away on Tuesday night's
-
The Terriers will train tomorrow in preparation of the clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Yeovil Town on Tuesday night at the McAlpine Stadium. It will be Yeovil's first ever visit to the McAlpine Stadium. Town will be looking to avert a possible 'double' against, following a 2-1 defeat earlier in the season in the West Country
-
Doncaster Rovers not only consolidated their position as league leaders following their 5-0 demolition of Kidderminster Harriers at Belle Vue they also stormed to the top of the form table, Town have slipped to third behind Rovers and Hull City
-
It was a bad day for the Terriers today results wise. With Town's game postponed at Carlisle United all eyes went to the fixture list to see how the teams around them faired and the news for Peter Jackson was not good. Without a ball played by Town, they slipped to 7th in the table and Lincoln City closed the gap between 7th and 8th by beating second placed Hull City 2-0. Form team Torquay United overcame Boston United 2-0 - which was the Gulls 7th win in 8 matches. Next opponents for the Terriers Yeovil Town (Tuesday, 19:45 kick off at the McAlpine Stadium) erased memories of last week's defeat at Darlington by claiming a big victory over Cambridge United 4-1.Oxford United drew 1-1 at Bristol Rovers
On better news for Town Cheltenham Town overcame Mansfield Town 4-2, Mansfield dropped to 5th and are on the same points as the Terriers. The battle for promotion this season is going to be a battle until the end of the season
-
How the table looks at the end of the matches today:
1. Doncaster Rovers pld 33, points 68 (gd +32)
2. Hull City pld 33, points 63 (gd +29)
3. Oxford United pld 33, points 61 (gd +20)
4. Torquay United pld 33 (gd +13)
5. Mansfield Town pld 32, 56 points (gd +16)
6. Yeovil Town pld 33, 56 points (gd +12)
7. Huddersfield Town pld 32, 56 points (gd +7)
8. Lincoln City pld 33, 53 points (gd +14)
-
Pools panel verdict on Town's postponed match was a win for the Terriers!
-

27/02/2004

Peter Jackson who is preparing for the weekend fixture has stated that he is not looking to bring anyone else to the club and that he is content with the squad he has. The victory over Lincoln City was the Terriers eighth in ten league matches and the feeling that the departure of Jon Stead would effect the promotion chasing Terriers as not materialised. Jackson has only two real injury worries, Nat Brown and Ian Gray, although John Thorrington, Lee Fowler and Ian Hughes are still all struggling
-
There will be a pitch inspection at Carlisle United's Brunton Park ground at 10:30am. Although there as been very little snow in the Carlisle area, temperature's tonight are set to be sub-zero. Carlisle officials have confirmed that they have had problem area's of the pitch covered for the past three days, and are confident the game will go ahead
-
Pawell Abbott the on-loan striker at the McAlpine Stadium has made it into the Nationwide League Division 3 team of the week
-
Coca-Cola will become the new sponsors of the Football League taking effect from the 2004/2005 season and will run for an initial 3 seasons. The sponsorship of the League will reacquaint the Coca-Cola company with the Football League following the sponsorship of the league cup a few season's ago - This is the largest sponsorship deal ever for the league
-
Match odds: Carlisle United v Huddersfield Town
Carlisle United win 13-8
Town win 11-8
Draw 11-5
-
Nat Brown and Lee Fowler are both missing from action to play Carlisle United on Saturday (should the match be passed playable) due to injury. Andy Holdsworth will replace Brown on the wing, but manager Peter Jackson is refusing to comment on who will be given the midfield vacancy in place of the suspended Tony Carss. Club captain Rob Edwards looks likely to make a return start in the midfield berth - but whether he will be handed the captaincy of the team from Efe Sodje, is not likely to happen. Town will train this Sunday irrespective if they play or not on Saturday to prepare for the crunch home fixture with Yeovil Town on Tuesday
-
Jackson has revealed that although Martyn Booty may not have shone in Town colour's on the pitch, he is doing well in the background and done his fair share of both development work and scouting. Jackson says that Booty is a fantastic player to have around the club and his influence at the club is excellent
-
Jackson has also revealed that he will be following the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League this season to show support for the Rugby League club who share their home stadium with the Terriers with Town. Jackson father however is a big Bradford Bulls follower and is a season ticket holder with the Bulls
-
Peter Jackson will be hoping that the Terriers can secure a three point victory over Carlisle Untied to revenge the defeat at Carlisle in the LDV Cup. Town went down 2-0 in November. However Town beat United in the league 2-1 so Town will be going for another 'double' of the season
-
Former Town players Tom Cowan, Chris Billy and Kevin Gray will feature for The Cumbrians against the Terriers. The Gray Andy Booth battle will be interesting and Town fans do not need any introduction to the tenacity and passion of Scot Tom Cowan. Billy was the Wembley hero and is Huddersfield born following his headed goal which secured Town a play off victory in 1994/1995 season
-
Colin Webster will be the man in the middle for the Carlisle-Town match. Webster from Tyne and Wear will be officiating his 26th league game on Saturday and has shown a total of 95 cards, 5 of which are red. Webster was the referee last season when Bury beat The Cumbrians 2-1
-
Carlisle will be without Richie Foran, Paul Raven, Kevin Henderson and Michael Reed through injury. Paul Warhurst and Matt Fryatt have disrupted United manager Paul Simpson plans having both left the club this week. Carlisle have picked up many points recently but they still sit at the foot of the third division, but United are the master's of the 'great escape' from relegation from this division. Warhurst decided to leave the club due to the geographical position of the town of Carlisle and the popular Fryatt has returned to club Walsall following a successful loan spell
-
Pawell Abbott Kevin Langmead who are both on loan from Preston North End to Town and Carlisle United respectively could face each other tomorrow in the league match. Abbott has played two matches and scored on both occasion's for the Terriers whilst Langmead (another North End striker), has yet to score despite making two starts for United
-

26/02/2004

Peter Jackson is to begin talks as early as next week to discuss the situation with on loan striker Pawell Abbott. Abbott who has scored two in two since his loan switch to the McAlpine Stadium is out of contract with his club Preston North End in summer and Jackson clearly wants to keep the Polish under-21 international at the McAlpine Stadium.
-
Lee Fowler who limped out of yesterday afternoon's reserve draw was missing from training today and is a doubt for Saturday's match. Jackson needs to make a midfield change as Tony Carss is suspended
-
Andy Holdsworth is waiting in the wings to be called up for Saturday's match with Nat Brown struggling with an injury. Brown suffered a groin injury during the 2-1 victory against Lincoln City
-
If you want to go to the match on Saturday, you have up until 16:00 hours on Friday to purchase a ticket. The game is all ticket for visiting supporters. And with teams so tightly packed in the league, manager Peter Jackson will be hoping for yet another bumper visiting support to back the team on to victory
-
Injured goalkeeper Ian Gray has been told to remain resting at his home in Manchester and report at the McAlpine Stadium on Monday following surgery on his injured hand. Gray will once again see his specialist on Friday
-
The McAlpine Stadium club are preparing their defence ahead of tomorrow's show-down with the FA in Manchester to discuss the discipline record of the club. Peter Jackson has said that it is the record prior to Christmas that is been questioned, which to be fair was terrible - the Terriers will not be fined
-
The Patrons Association have again shown how vital they are to the club by presenting a cheque for £15,000 to the Academy set-up. It's Chairman said the importance of the Academy cannot be stated enough to the club and was delighted to present the cheque at the recent home game with Lincoln City
-
It has been revealed that 14 arrests were made after the 2-1 victory over Lincoln City, all were with the Lincoln team
-
In the club shop now until the 15th of March any purchase of a full price goalkeeper's jersey or the away 'black' shirt will net the purchaser a free match ticket for either the match with Yeovil Town (March 2nd), Macclesfield Town (March 13th) or Rochdale (March 16th). The match tickets are for designated areas only. Season Ticket holders on production of a special voucher will net a free scarf, and all are whilst stocks last. You are advised early to visit the shop to avoid disappointment and note that the Macclesfield and Rochdale matches are midweek evening games
-

25/02/2004

Reserves: Last Match: Huddersfield Town 1-1 Sheffield United (result)
The second string drew for the second time this season with the Blades 1-1 thanks to a Jon Newby goal that was created by Adnan Ahmed. Peter Jackson was in the crowd who will have be delighted with the determination shown by his reserve squad who were under pressure, though Jacob Giles held strong. Bad news for Jackson was when Lee Fowler limped off midway through the first period (after 26 minutes). Town took the lead in the first half when Ahmed broke down the left and set up Newby who smashed a great shot into the right handside of the goal. Dwyane Mattis shone in the first half and Newby had chances to put Town further into the lead.
After a pulsating first half, the second half was poor with the visitors taking the game to Town and it was no surprise when United equalised the score on 75 minutes. John Thorrington played for 81 minutes, and club captain Rob Edwards had a decent game when moved into midfield - Edwards could become an option for the first team on Saturday
-
Town's poor discipline record is to come under the spotlight with first team manager Peter Jackson and CEO Andrew Watson been hauled up to a meeting with the FA. Town are currently the fourth placed 'worst' team in the nationwide league division three bad play league and will discuss this on Friday with FA representatives. Town have improved as the improvement in terms of results have improved and from the turn of the year Town have performed better in the discipline field.
However, the Terriers have still amassed an average of 18.6 points per match, based on a red card been five points and one for a booking/yellow card. Town have had a total of 64 yellow cards and ten red cards. Lee Fowler is the worst offender he has seen red twice and booked on 11 occasions, with a further eight Town players seeing red.
Town clearly have questions to answer at the meeting and the FA will clearly mark Town's card, but the FA should take into account the improvement in the discipline since the turn of the year, with Tony Carss harsh red card (at Torquay United) the only real blip on discipline scale
-
Ian Gray who had an operation on his hand on Monday has been ruled out of competitive action for the rest of the season. That will come as a blow for Peter Jackson who has been missing his number one choice goalkeeper since November
-
The latest On The Move winning £400 number is B472 - for further details contact the club directly
-
Some away travel news. If you are travelling by car to Oxford United, try to get there as soon as possible. There is free car-parking for 1,600 vehicles at the home of the U's. Northampton Town on March 20th is all ticket for Town supporters. Tickets for the Northampton game, where Town will be going for the 'double' are currently on sale to season ticket holders but will go on general sale on March 3rd. The ticket price range is £15 for adults down to £4 for under 16's
-
The Reserves play Sheffield United in the Pontins Premier League match this afternoon at the McAlpine Stadium - match news and result to follow. Ian Hughes will not be risked, but Lee Fowler will feature
-

24/02/2004

The debate over Pawell Abbott's winning goal on Saturday rumbles on. Referee George Cain has defended awarding the goal on Sky Sports News channel, saying that if the ball headed back by Efe Sodje had gone straight through to Abbott, then he would have given offside. But since the ball was flicked back by a Lincoln City defender Cain said that was the reason that the goal stood. Cain also said that having looked at replay's of the goal he is confident and happy that he made the correct decision that took Town to a season high of 5th
-
Peter Jackson will assess the reserves tomorrow night against Sheffield United has he looks to replace Tony Carss in the centre of midfield. The midfielder was harshly sent-off during the 1-0 victory at Torquay United and faces suspension from the match. It looks likely that Welsh International Lee Fowler will return to the starting line-up, but Jackson has said it depends who performs on the night, so Jackson will be watching with an open mind. Town will be looking to beat the Blades second string, as the match takes place at the McAlpine Stadium at 14:00. The reserves have lost the last 4 home matches and are near the foot of the table. Chris Holland and Dwayne Mattis will both feature in midfield and could push into contention for a third division start at Carlisle United on Saturday. Jon Newby and American International John Thorrington will take the striker roles
-
Manager Peter Jackson has a fresh injury worry ahead of the long trip north to take on Carlisle United. Although expected to be fit for the weekend game Nathan Clarke was ruled out of training this morning suffering a dead leg but the Terriers medical staff expect the exciting young defender to be fit. Jackson has been delighted with the performances shown from Clarke and was delighted with Clarkey's winning goal at The Gulls. Ian Gray's operation on his injured hand yesterday went well, whilst Nat Brown is still under treatment for his groin
-
Andy Townsend commenting on Abbott's winning goal from Saturday called it a "footballing farce" and demanded a copy of the video be sent to the FA. Townsend's comments came during the ITV production of "The Premiership" last night
-
Before the match with Lincoln City the Terriers had scored 8 goals from 161 corners and top the league table for goals from corners. The Terriers are third in the list of least goals conceded from corners with 2 from 153 corners
-
Elton John the musical genius is set to play at the McAlpine Stadium this June. Stadium officials are about to rubber stamp the deal that could be followed by other 'gigs' at the Stadium. John's concert if confirmed will take place half way through his UK leg of his World Tour
-
The Terriers have sold over 600 tickets so far for the long trip to Carlisle United this Saturday. The match that is All-Ticket is priced at £14 for adults and £5 concessions. Town are also expecting a big following to the away game at Oxford United and Town have been given 1,250 tickets for the match at Northampton Town that have gone on sale to Season Ticket holders today
-
Should the Terriers make the play-off final that will take place on Monday May 31st in a date change with the first division final that will now take place on the Saturday
-

23/02/2004

Last Match: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Lincoln City (result)
Huddersfield Town had to come from behind to beat a powerful Lincoln City side. City took the lead on 19 minutes following a flurry of chances from Town in a positive start for Peter Jackson's men. But at half time the Terriers had it all to do trailing to the Richardson goal on 19. The Jackson team talk worked as 3 minutes from half time a Tony Carss corner was powerfully headed back into the box from striker Andy Booth, where captain Efe Sodje headed the ball in for Town's equalising goal.
It was a superb game in which the physical threat of Lincoln was matched by a decent Town side. With Town you are never sure which team is going to turn up, but this was the team intent on putting the last home performance behind them and when took the lead in controversial manners.
It came as delight to the Town fans but brought angry scenes from the visiting players, management and supporters, that Pawell Abbott (scoring his second goal from two starts) goal on 66 minutes stood. The Polish Under-21 striker, scored what surely must be the most unusual goal of his career and the most unusual one seen at the near 10 year history of the McAlpine Stadium. Abbott chased down the Lincoln City keeper but the keeper managed to clear the ball, trying to get back on side Abbott was chasing out when the ball was clipped to him, yards in space and Abbott coolly slotted home.
The referee went to speak with his assistant and with Town protesting not to book the striker, actually awarded a goal stating that the ball, which it clearly did, struck the head of a Lincoln defender and thus the goal was awarded.
The award of the goal prompted angry scenes after the final whistle with referee George Cain running frantically to the tunnel as soon as the whistle went. Many have now questioned Cain's ability has a referee and infact Cain does retire at the end of the season. Former Bradford manager Chris Kamara said that Cain (who over-ruled his assistant) was crazy in making such a decision. Peter Jackson was insistent and rightly so, that it was a goal
-
Town's new goalscoring hero Polish Pawell Abbott said that he did what anybody would do and that was to put the ball in the back of the net. Town's number 25 heard no whistle, has he coolly slotted the winner past Lincoln City, following a headed flick by Lincoln City captain Paul Morgan - for which reason the goal stood, and the referee did well to spot it after his assistant was wrongly flagging for offside.
Abbott was delighted with the reception he got from his new 'home' supporters when his name was read out at the start of the match for his home debut and a first start for Huddersfield Town. He also stated that he has settled at Huddersfield very well and is impressed with Peter Jackson. Although the Pole has currently scored two goals for the Terriers and effectively winning Town 4 points (and he almost scored a double at Bristol Rovers in midweek), Abbott believes that he has still not shown his best for Town - but that will come with games
-
Manager Peter Jackson shrugged off the controversy and felt that Town worked hard for the victory which pushes them closer to the automatic promotion race, beat another play-off rival and gained a very good win over a hard and physical Lincoln City side. Jackson was delighted with the goal and "seriously felt it was a goal" following Pawell Abbott's 66th minute winner. Jackson felt his side had played decent football in the first half and played well to overcome a side that had beaten Town 3-1 earlier this season. Jackson is also delighted with Abbott.
Jackson was delighted with the grit and determination shown from his never say die Terriers and Jackson was delighted with all facets of the match and with the battling performance which gained revenge on the 3-1 defeat at Sincil Bank. Jackson said however that everyone must stay focused as there is still a long way to go and a lot of hard work to do
-
Imps boss Keith Alexander was furious with the goal that stood for the Terriers and the official Imps website said that there side "was robbed" at the McAlpine Stadium on Saturday.
Alexander believes his side deserved something from the game on Saturday and believed that referee George Cain cost Lincoln City the points. Alexander also lead a stinging rant at referee's in general which has so far officiated the Imps matches this season, and wants the league to look into the refereeing at matches his team plays in
-
Town first choice goalkeeper Ian Gray looks set to be out for the rest of the season meaning that stand in goalkeeper Phil Senior (who has conceded 15 goals in 15 games since coming in for Gray) will continue for the rest of the season in goal for the Terriers. Senior has performed well for manager Peter Jackson, who has praised the Academy product, but it is a blow for Jackson that Gray will now miss the remaining part of the season - which is crucial for the Terriers. Gray was injured during the 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup first round match at Accrington Stanley in November
-
Nat Brown is an injury worry for Peter Jackson, having to be replaced during Saturday's 2-1 victory. Brown injured his groin, but Town are hoping that he will be available for the second string match with Sheffield Wednesday midweek. Brown was brought into the match to counter-balance the height threat of Lincoln City, and is responding well to initial treatment on the injury. Anthony Lloyd was also under watch has he too had to be replaced on Saturday following a knock. On better notes Ian Hughes returned to training having missed the last two months of action with a knee injury
-
Town's victory over Lincoln City at the McAlpine Stadium was there 8th victory in the last 10 matches. It also was the 11th home victory of the season in a tally of 36 points from a possible 48. The Town management will also be delighted that almost 10,000 fans on average have turned up at the McAlpine Stadium on match days which have helped to catapult Town towards the automatic promotion zone and into relative financial safety.
Town are now on 56 points and sit in 5th place in the league. Level on points with Mansfield Town in 4th place and 4 points from third placed Oxford United. The Terriers however are nine points adrift of leaders Doncaster Rovers, who took top place following Hull City's home defeat to Torquay United and Rovers comeback win at Mansfield Town.
That defeat for Hull meant that they have an identical last eight game record with the Terriers, who are both have won 19 from the last eight. Hull top the form table thanks to a superior goal difference record. Third placed in the form table are Torquay United, showing just how good a quality three point victory it was at the Gulls recently.
Doncaster are 4th, Oxford 16th and Yeovil Town 13th showing that the automatic promotion places and those of the play-off's are still very much wide open. An outside bet could also be big spending Northampton Town who are currently on a good run in the league with 15 points from the last 8 matches following a poor start.
Meanwhile the prediction table still places Town in 4th place with 90 points, adrift of Hull City, Doncaster Rovers and now Torquay United. Oxford United have now slipped to 6th place with Mansfield and Lincoln City joining Oxford and the Terriers in the play-off matches. Ironically Town would play Lincoln in the play-off semi finals should the current prediction table be realised
-

19/02/2004

The Huddersfield Survival Trust has told the club that they are willing to finance the wages for a month of a loan signing. This may allow first team manager to bring in another loan signing to join that of striker Pawell Abbott, who Jackson is looking to extend his loan period until the end of the season from Preston North End. The Trust will be asking for the opinion of members on this and other matters
-
Town's board management are examining ways in which the football club and the rugby league club - Huddersfield Giants, who already share the McAlpine Stadium, could share training facilities. Both clubs are owned by Ken Davy and are currently working closely under the 'Huddersfield Sporting Pride' title. Town's CEO Andrew Watson commented that although it is still in the exploration stage, at no point will either club be compromised
-
Peter Jackson who is setting his team up for a return to quality football this weekend is plotting the downfall of seventh placed Lincoln City. Jackson is backing goalkeeper Phil Senior to get over the error which cost Town a goal at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.
Jackson is warning his players that they will need to scrap for a result over the Imps, with Town having to match City - a big strong and powerful team in every department. Lincoln are coming to the McAlpine Stadium looking to complete a double over the Terriers following a 3-1 victory over Town at Lincoln.
Jackson has called Senior "solid and reliable" and is backing his young 'keeper to return to that sort of form once more. Keith Alexander's side are like Town one of the form teams, and with a team consisting of six six-footers it will be important that Jackson's men challenge for every ball in every department, something they failed dismally to do at Bristol.
Jackson also believes that this will be the biggest and most physical battle of the season and wants his players to roll up their sleeves and stand up and be counted
-
One of Peter Jackson's first signings when he became manager of Town was that of former Bury forward Jon Newby. Newby who has been besieged with injuries this season and used more as a winger, is struggling to win over the supporters. Over 40% of Town fans feel that he is a shocker. In the poll on Down at the Mac, the poll's findings show that just under 31% feel he will come good
-
Huddersfield Town reserves stay third bottom in the Pontins League following Burnley reserves defeat against Sheffield United (1-0). That was the ninth second string for the Clarets
-

18/02/2004

Town manager Peter Jackson was a very disappointed man following the dreadful performance what was the 1-1 draw at Bristol Rovers last night. Jackson saw his Terriers put in an abject display, and were outplayed for 80 minutes before super sub Pawell Abbott struck with 5 minutes remaining to steal a point. Jon Newby came on and a change to a 4-4-2 formation clearly worked, as Town nearly stole it in injury time. Credit must go to Bristol Rovers who were pumped up from the kick-off hurrying Town for every ball and every challenge and took Town to the cleaners with wave after wave of attacks, some at time had scintillating build up play and with better finishing Rovers would have been home and dry inside the first 30 minutes.
Town were "absolutely shocking" according to Terriers boss Peter Jackson who would have been happy to steal a point and inpart from Jon Worthington the Town midfield struggled to make any impact on the game. The performance was in complete contrast to the composed one displayed on Saturday at Torquay United and Town will need that form if they are to beat 7th placed Lincoln City at the McAlpine Stadium this Saturday. Jackson backed keeper Phil Senior whose mistake cost Town the goal to former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Graham Hyde, and almost cost Town in the first half. But to be fair to the keeper Senior played some crucial saves which maintained Town's unbeaten run away from home, although the 79 year record goes unbroken and Town are still a distance away from the automatic promotion places.
Pirates manager Phil Bater felt his Bristol Rovers side should have beaten Town. Bater was happy with his side's performance, but was delighted with how Rovers tore Huddersfield apart in "every department". Bater looked at the referee when he commented that one or two of the controversial penalty decision's, none were given, could quite easily have been given. One of those involving the Town captain Efe Sodje, earned Sodje a nasty reception when he was subbed by Jon Newby in the 80th minute by the Gasheads in a decent crowd at the Memorial Ground.
Bater felt that his stand in keeper did well although "it couldn't have been a easier game" for the young keeper who was a late inclusion in the game for the injured Kevin Miller.
Town who were kept on the back foot and stung by the resurgent Bristol Rovers will be aiming to bounce back from this display. However, looking on the positives, it was not a defeat and Town won a point, and if you had said that Town would have secured 4 points from Torquay United and Bristol Rovers away, you would have taken it. Well Town did that, are well placed in the play-off's and will be looking to reward the fans who travelled in their numbers to both matches with a home victory over yet another play-off rival on Saturday
-
Town will need to bounce back well against seventh placed Lincoln City, who will be coming to the McAlpine this Saturday full of confidence. They will know how Town struggled against Darlington at home and Lincoln City disposed of York City in clinical style 4-1 last night
-

17/02/2004

To take advantage of these match odds click here (click on soccer on the left)
-
Tonight's kick off is 19:45
-
Peter Jackson is delighted with the upbeat mood in the Southern training camp ahead of the tough away fixture with Bristol Rovers. Jackson is looking forward to a good game, as is Rovers manager Phil Bater, who is also hoping for three points believing his players always play better against footballing sides
-
New Polish loan signing Pawell Abbott is aiming to fire in goals that will help secure the Terriers to promotion. Abbott who has joined on loan from Preston North End for a month is encouraged by what he has seen from Town so far and says that the squad is full of confidence. The Pole was delighted with the option to come to Town on loan and is out of contract at Deepdale at the end of the season
-
The match referee is Andre Marriner from Birmingham. Marriner was due to officiate the original match and was the referee who refereed the 2-1 away defeat at Bury when he sent off Town defender Efe Sodje
-
Bristol Rovers have asked that all supporters are aware that the programme on sale tonight, will be the same one as produced for the original fixture. Some material in the programme will be dated, but this is down to costs
-
Peter Jackson was an impressed man after Town dug deep and secured all three points from a gruelling contest with fellow play-off hopefuls Torquay United on Saturday. Jackson wants his players to continue the good work they are currently showing and Jacko will be happy that his three injured players will be fit for the game
-
The red card at Torquay United on Saturday was the ninth of the current season with Tony Carss adding his name to the shameful red card list of the Terriers. Town midfielder Lee Fowler is second on the list of Division Three Foul Play League
-
Peter Jackson however defended Tony Carss following the red card, with the manager saying "I'm disappointed he got sent off", and Carss will now not be available for selection when Town make the trip to basement club Carlisle United on February 28
-
Should Town secure victory tonight, they would equal a 79 year away winning sequence of five victories on the bounce
-
Nathan Clarke gave credit to big striker Andy Booth saying that "Boothy served it up on a plate for me", following the flick from the Carss freekick from Booth, which Clarke scored the winner from at Torquay, Booth also got a lot of credit from Peter Jackson
-
Once again this season the manager has shown massive praise to the Huddersfield Town supporters with Jackson saying "I'm really proud of the lads and of the supporters. To see so many down there spending there money and giving up their weekend to back us at the other end of the country was just brilliant and this victory was for them
-
Former Town Chairman Terry Fisher, who was instrumental in bring Town out of Administration has publicly stated that he is an Huddersfield Town fan and is in no what linked to the takeover bid at Elland Road
-
Former Town player Jon Stead starts on the bench for his England debut. England Under 21s are currently playing Holland Under 21s at KC Stadium, Hull
-

15/02/2004

To take advantage of these match odds click here (click on soccer on the left)
-
Last Match Teams: Bristol Rovers v Huddersfield Town
Bristol Rovers (lost to Darlington 0-3, home): Kevin Miller, Danny Boxall, Christian Edwards, Adam Barrett, Ijah Anderson, Wayne Carlisle, David Savage, Graham Hyde, Ryan Williams, Paul Tait, Junior Agogo
Subs: Ryan Clarke, Kevin Austin, Robert Quinn, Lee Hodges, Lewis Haldane

-

14/02/2004

Huddersfield Town: Phillip Senior, Anthony Lloyd, Steve Yates, Nathan Clarke, Efetobore Sodje, Andy Holdsworth, Anthony Carss, Lee Fowler, Jonathan Worthington, Danny Schofield, Andy Booth
Subs: Jacob Giles, Nat Brown, Jon Newby, Rob Edwards, David Mirfin
Efe Sodje once again captains the Huddersfield Town side
Officials: Referee - Iain Williamson
-
Striker Martin Gritton is in-form Torquay United's only fitness doubt as Huddersfield Town head for Plainmoor for a real promotion six-pointer tomorrow (3pm). Gritton, who has started both United's last two winning away games, will need a test before head coach Leroy Rosenior decides on his starting line-up. "Martin has picked up a back strain - he played only half a game for the reserves on Tuesday - and I need to see how he is before I pick the side," said Rosenior
-
Former Town player striker Jon Stead has been called up to the England Under 21 set-up to face Holland Under 21 at the KC Stadium, the home of Hull City on Tuesday February 17
-

13/02/2004

Match Preview: Torquay United v Huddersfield Town
Peter Jackson calls this match with Torquay United and Tuesday's contest at Bristol Rovers as a tough double header. Following last Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to Darlington and with some thinking Town are a 1 man team following the million pound departure of leading scorer Jon Stead, Jackson will be hoping 10 goal striker Andy Booth will be fit for the contest.
The defeat at the hands of the Quakers was the Terriers first and Jackson will be looking to get back to winning ways after Town dropped to 7th in the table and on the edge of dropping out of the play off zone.
Torquay are a place above Huddersfield and are an inform team also. Jackson wants his players to keep performing and achieve their fourth win on the bounce on their travels.
Another injured player returns to the travelling party in the form of Tony Carss and it was Carss' strike that secured the McAlpine men all three points when United visited Town in October.
There have been 7 matches played at Torquay the last a 1-0 victory for Town in 1991. Town have won 3 of the 7 matches scoring 8 goals with Torquay the land of 'Fawltey Towers' winning 4 scoring 9 goals. There have been no draws at Torquay with the last United victory coming in December 1979 (3-1) which was United's biggest ever victory over Town.
The travelling party for Town (of 18 players): Senior, Clarke, Yates, Sodje, Fowler, Worthington, Schofield, Lloyd, Holdsworth, Newby, Brown, Carss, Booth, Edwards, Mirfin, Holland, Giles and Booty. That means that there is no place for American striker John Thorrington who scored for the second string in midweek
-
It's been revealed that the transfer of Jon Stead to Blackburn Rovers was done with a 17.5% sell on clause. Stead who continued his good scoring form this season since his transfer deadline day move to Rovers said he will be following Town's match against Torquay United on the radio
-
Last Match: Torquay United v Huddersfield Town
Swansea City 1-2 Torquay United (in 6th place with 49 points, gd of +10)
Huddersfield Town 0-2 Darlington (in 7th place with 49 points, gd of +5)
-
The Terriers travelled to Devon today ahead of Saturday's clash with Torquay United, with striker Andy Booth in the squad of 18. Manager Peter Jackson has said that he will not reveal which two strikers will begin the match at Plainmoor until closer to the match. Jackson received his manager of the month award today from a former World Cup Referee
-
A private driver will collect new loan signing Pawel Abbott and bring him to Bristol ahead of the match with Bristol Rovers. The Pole who needs to sort things out in Poland before he will join up with the squad will wear the number 25 shirt whilst on loan. Should the deal for him be made more permanent Abbott would take up the number 9 shirt vacated by Stead's move to Blackburn Rovers
-
Frank Worthington has said in his Huddersfield Examiner Newspaper article that out of favour 34 year old Leeds United midfielder David Batty would do a good job for Town, saying the signing of Batty would be "great"
-
Former Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Belgian Nic Vaesen has joined Bryan Robson's struggling first division side Bradford City on a month's loan from Birmingham City. Vaesen who was brought to England by Peter Jackson played 154 games for the Terriers before a big money move to former Town manager Steve Bruce's Birmingham City. Vaesen has played just 56 appearances due to injury for Birmingham and was recently on loan at Gillingham this season
-

12/02/2004

The Town reserves went down to Preston North End by 4 goals to 2 and immediately after the game Peter Jackson brought in one of the Preston players that scored against Town into the club on a month's loan. Andy Boot was back in competitive action and took the striker's role with John Thorrington. Thorrington and Paul Scott scored the goals, but it was the goal from Preston's Polish Under 21 player Pawel Abbott which highlighted the mach for Town manager Peter Jackson who brought him on loan.
Town were also forced to make a change to the goalkeeper for the second half with young trialist keeper Sam Russell leaving the action injured and was replaced by Jacob Giles
-
Trialist 'keeper Sam Russell has returned to Middlesborough following his thigh and hamstring injury, but will return to the Terriers when he returns to fitness. That means that young keeper Jacob Giles will be the bench keeper for the next games against Torquay United and Bristol Rovers with first choice keeper Ian Gray still sidelined
-
Peter Jackson has brought in Preston North End's Polish Under 21 striker Pawel Abbott on an initial month's loan. Jackson was impressed with the Pole who scored against the Town reserves last night. The deal will begin on Monday which means that Abbott will not be available for Saturday's away match. The big (6ft 2inch) 22 year old was born in York to a English father and Polish mother and grew up in Poland and flies to Poland over the next few days to get exemption from National Service.
Abbott was signed for £125,000 when the now Everton boss David Moyes was manager of North End. Abbott has played at this level before spending time on loan at Bury. The player who wears the number 18 shirt at Deepdale has scored three times for the Lancashire club making 7 starts and 10 substitute appearances.
Jackson is very happy with the signing, who scored Preston's winning goal against Nottingham Forest with the Town boss saying he will chase balls and be combative and will give the manager more options. It will also offer the Pole a chance of first team football and the chance to impress
-
Jackson believes that the loan could become more permanent should Abbott impress in the blue and white stripes of Huddersfield Town. Jackson had tried earlier this season to bring Abbott to the McAlpine Stadium. Jackson will be hoping that Pawel will add to the current two goals he has scored this season
-
Striker Andy Booth, midfielder Tony Carss and defender Paul Scott all came through the reserve game with Preston untouched. Booth could be inline for a start against Torquay with Carss and Scott added to the squad for the double header of away matches in the West Country. John Thorrington could also feature with his goal and decent performance against Preston in the games. The Terriers who struggled to forge openings against Darlington last Saturday will be buoyed by the extra attacking options
-
Former Town striker Jon Stead has now scored 20 goals for the season following his goal in last night's match for his new club Blackburn Rovers. His goal helped Rovers secure a point. Stead has now scored two goals in two starts for his new club. Rovers boss Graeme Souness heaped praise on the Town Academy product, calling his goal "Shearer like". Stead has now won Blackburn four points since his move to Ewood Park.
Stead was delighted with his second goal on his home debut and is in buoyant move since his £1.25 million move from Huddersfield. Stead was also named man of the match
-

11/02/2004

Town striker Andy Booth will be keen to prove his fitness has he starts tonight's reserve game against Preston North End. Manager Peter Jackson hopes that Booth will prove his fitness at the game to be played at Bamber Bridge ahead of the weekend clash with Torquay United. Booth will be joined by other players keen to prove their fitness following injury layoffs - Rob Edwards, Tony Carrs, David Mirfin and John Thorrington will all start the game. Jackson will also assess Middlesborough goalkeeper Sam Russell who joined the Terriers yesterday on trial
-
Nat Brown has become the eighth young Town player to sign a new contract in recent months. Brown has put pen to paper on a contract that will see the burly striker stay at the McAlpine Stadium until 2006. Jackson gave the contract extension due to Brown's attitude and impressive displays. The player said that he was very pleased with the new deal
-
Peter Jackson has stated that despite the boost of Nat Brown's contract extension he is still looking to bring in a new striker
-
The latest on the ball winning number is A664 - this number wins £400 - click on the link towards the bottom of this page (in green) for more details of the On The Move Lotter
-
Town Academy product and former first team player Jon Stead has been called one of the finest young strikers he has ever seen by Blackburn Rovers veteran defender Craig Short. Stead who recently moved to the Lancashire outfit for over £1 million scored on his debut and should start tonight to make his Rovers home debut against Newcastle United
-
The Alfred McAlpine Stadium will play host to the Champions of Rugby League match this Friday. English Super League winners Bradford Bulls and their Australian counterparts will take part in the final at the Huddersfield venue
-

10/02/2004

Manager Peter Jackson has brought a new face to the McAlpine Stadium. Young Middlesborough goalkeeper Sam Russell will provide cover for Phil Senior with number one Ian Gray still on the sidelines. Jackson who has signed a player in a position which many will question, has been fast to quash any rumours that he is about to drop Senior following the league defeat to Darlington.
Jackson is still very concerned over the fitness of Gray and is looking to bring in Russell (who will play for the second string against Preston North End tomorrow) as cover for a difficult period of matches. Jackson will assess Russell in tomorrow's match with Preston
-
Manager Peter Jackson also commended Phil Senior for his display's this season and said that he has been looking for a keeper for a while now. Jackson may also put American International John Thorrington into a striker's role for the away match with Torquay United, if he can prove his full fitness, should Andy Booth prove not to be fully fit, after Nat Brown and Jon Newby struggled against Darlington
-
Jackson has also said that he is still looking to bring a striker in, ahead of what he calls a "tough couple of games". Town play two away matches in the West Country
-
Andrew Watson, Chief Executive of Huddersfield Town AFC Limited, has stated that the club is on course to meet the financial targets set by the clubs management. Watson, a lifelong Town fan, said that the club is on target to be self supporting by the start of next season and could even break even. Watson also stated that the £50,000 that is in the Survival Trust's coffers would have been a "godsend" for the club, and Watson stated that this is the year the club needs the help
-

09/02/2004

Two goals in either half, handed the visitors to the McAlpine Stadium their first away victory of the season and handed Town a first defeat in seven matches, ending a run of eight victories. The first a penalty and the second a freak goal gave Town only their second home defeat of the season and left Peter Jackson stunned. The curse of the manager of the month award happened again, as only days earlier Jackson was awarded manager of the month for January. Town who failed to really trouble second bottom Darlington in attack, will take some comfort as few teams above and around them actually secured victories
-
Jon Stead secured all three points for his new club Blackburn Rovers with a cracking goal, as Rovers beat Middlesborough 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday. As Town lost 2-0 at the McAlpine Stadium, Stead scored on his Premiership debut and had a successful first half
-
Peter Jackson has said that his players remain positive despite the 2-0 home defeat. Jacko admits that it went pear shaped on Saturday and is hoping to have a loan striker in the squad for the next match
-
Peter Jackson believes that his Huddersfield Town side will have success in the next couple of season's and hopes that everyone will back him. Jackson was delighted with the attendance on Saturday and hopes that they will all rally around following a disappointing home defeat
-

05/02/2004

Peter Jackson looks likely to start with Nat Brown and Jon Newby for the match with Darlington. Andy Booth will not be risked as the big striker makes his comeback from injury, that could likely make way for a place on the bench for Jon Thorrington or Adnan Ahmed
-
Paul Scott returned to training today following overcoming injury which as kept him out of the Town side since Boxing Day. The defender could find himself up against the team he last played against, Darlington, should he prove his fitness
-
The Town ticket office have said that anyone who cannot make the rearranged game with Bristol Rovers (17/02/2004 at 19:45) should contact them to claim a refund
-
Although manager Peter Jackson says he will not rush into making any signings following Jon Stead's departure and indeed feels he has the players capable of filling the void left by Stead, he has found persuading some of his targets to come to the McAlpine Stadium. Two of his targets do not wish to move out of the top two divisions on loan, but club officials are continuing to monitor six other potential targets.
Jackson has said that there will be no new faces before this Saturday's match with Darlington
-
The Huddersfield Town squad will remain in the South West following their match with Torquay United on Saturday February 14. This is because on the following Tuesday the Terriers play Bristol Rovers in Bristol and Jackson believes it is the best thing to do to hold a training camp at the hotel, which as quality facilities for training. The club also state that this will not be much more expensive if they had travelled back to Yorkshire then back to Bristol on Tuesday and will prove better preparation for the players
-
Former Terriers coach Henry Cockburn has died at the age of 82 years. Cockburn played a key role in helping create the second division promotion winning outfit of 1969/1970 and died following a length illness. Cockburn who lived in Ashton, Manchester won the FA Cup with Manchester United and played for England and coached under manager Ian Greaves
-
The second string game with Preston North End as been arranged for Wednesday February 11, 2004 and will kick off at 19:00
-
Ralph Rimmer who is a Town Director and Chief Executive of Huddersfield Giants Rugby League club is the new Managing Director of Kirklees Stadium Development Limited (KDSL). Although Rimmer has taken up this new post with KDSL, it will not effect his work with either the Terriers or the Giants
-
Jon Stead has given Huddersfield manager his signed number nine Town shirt as a personal gift following his £1.25 million move to Blackburn Rovers - he thanks Jackson and wishes Town the best on an inscription on the shirt
-
Popular Town striker Andy Booth, believes that Town can still secure promotion this season and will prove that they are not a one-man team. Booth who is now Town's leading striker with 10 goals is still hoping to make a return to action against Darlington, but with manager Peter Jackson refusing to risk the player, this looks unlikely.
Booth's message to the rest of the division is "don't write us off"
-

04/02/2004

Town's opponents on Saturday will be hoping to have striker Neil Teggart in their squad. Darlington are enquiring about a loan deal for the 19 year old and the Quakers boss David Hodgson is hopeful that he will have the option to select Teggart for the match with Town at the McAlpine Stadium. Hodgson will also be hoping that top goalscorer Barry Colon can score (he has not done so since December) against Town who recently beat them at the Reynolds arena but will field a striker line up which as scored no goals, since the departure of Jon Stead and the injury to Andy Booth
-
David Hodgson will also be able to select Ryan Valentine for the game which Darlington deem "tricky". Valentine is back in contention for selection following suspension, although his manager has told the player that he will need to "fight for his place"
-
Darlington will be looking to make it two wins on the trot and deny Town a best winning run for 22 years. If town should secure the full allocation of points from Saturday's match they will make it seven wins on the trot and boost already positive promotion hopes. A defeat for Darlington (who beat Rochdale 1-0 at the Reynolds Arena last time out) will push them closer to the drop into the Conference
-
Influential midfielder Tony Carss was welcomed back to training by Town manager Peter Jackson today. Carss who has not played a match at all this year since his injury in December is back in training to prove his fitness ahead of the match with Darlington on Saturday. It is unsure if Carss will be fit to face the Quakers, but it would be a massive boost to the club if he was available. Carss according to the manager is a "quality player", but as said that it will be a tough job for Carss to get back into the first team
-

03/02/2004

Town owner Ken Davy reveals that he wanted to keep hold of Jon Stead, but his agent put pressure on him and Davy recently agreed to the move. Davy has also told Peter Jackson that some of the money will go to help strengthen the squad, and the value put into the Academy system at Town bears fruit again
-
Peter Jackson is already on the trail to replace Jon Stead, but says he will not be rushed into signing anyone either on a short term loan or anything more permanent. Jackson is so confident in the strikers he has at his disposable that he will not rush into putting fit again Andy Booth back in the starting line up, until 100% fit
-
Wednesday's reserve game with Barnsley has fallen to the weather and been cancelled. The second string game against Hull City (away) postponed last week will now take place on March 31, 2004
-
The game at Bristol Rovers will now take place on February 17, 2004. The Tuesday night game will kick off at 19:45
-

02/02/2004

Although disappointed that Stead decided to go, it is understandable and it was good of the management team to allow Stead to fulfil most people's dreams of playing in English football's top flight
-

01/02/2004

The last home match between Huddersfield Town and Darlington was in the League Cup in September 2002. 3,810 turned up to the McAlpine Stadium to see Town record a 2-0 victory. An own goal added to Simon Baldry's opener for Mick Wadsworth's Huddersfield Town in the first half. Town were in the second division, Darlington the third. Town went out in the second round to first division Burnley at the McAlpine by 1-0
-
January 2004 news archived, also update this page in particularly the new item font size to make it easier to read!
-
Use this section to get the very latest news and rumours on Huddersfield Town, use the links to email us if you have any news and/or rumours. Remember to support this site, by checking out our sponsors and also looking in the 'Shopping Channel'
-