When the fixtures are announced on June 22nd Peter Jackson and his exciting young squad of players (with a 2 or 3 additions from last season!) will glance down a set of imposing fixtures. After the League One and Two play-off finals over the weekend the make-up of League One was confirmed.

The Terriers will now make long trips South to Swansea City and Cheltenham Town rather than the relatively short trips to Barnsley and Grimsby Town.

The Tykes beat Swansea on penalties in the League One final after a 2-2 draw, whilst Cheltenham Town replaced their Robins namesakes in Swindon Town with a comfortable 1-0 victory over the Mariners.

The division is certainly a mix of north/south divide with the Terriers looking at a number of long South trips and the longest possible trip north when they visit Carlisle.

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Jackson who is still searching for new playing talent is been rumoured to be targeting Tranmere Rovers highly rated defender Ian Sharps who is out of contract on the Wirral. The Town boss however has denied his interest confirming he has made no contact with the player or the club.

June 22nd is the next key date on the football calendar. It is the date that the Football League releases the fixtures for the 2006/2007 campaign.

The season begins on August 5th and Town fans will look at Yorkshire derby matches against Rotherham, Doncaster and Bradford as well as big games with Nottingham Forest.

Next season Town will travel to both ends of the country - Carlisle in the north, Bournemouth and Brighton on the English south coast.

Town will have two extra trips to London this season - Millwall and Leyton Orient

Town manager Peter Jackson will be Town manager until May 2009 at the earliest. Jackson has signed a new contract and with it pledged to take Town into the Championship. Jackson who this season will train for his UEFA coaching badge to add to his entire collection of FA qualifications.

Chairman Ken Davy and Cheife Executive Andrew Watson expressed their delight in keeping hold of Jackson and stress "it is a reward" for the positive work Jackson has done since returning to manager the club three seasons ago.

The Town board believes that Jackson is the man to manager the vision of taking Town to a top 30 English club by the centenary in 2008.

Jackson is planning to improve the physical and technical ability of the squad over the summer, perhaps indication that Jackson believes the players are at the moment at the top of their ability tree

As predicated by this website earlier in the month 'keeper Phil Senior has been released by Huddersfield Town. Peter Jackson who pointed out that this was one of the most difficult decisions to make is set to bring in a new face for between the sticks next season with Senior the one making way.

It is thought that Jackson would have let error-prone Paul Rachbuka go, but the club cannot afford to pay him out. With Senior out of contract this was the only way Town could afford to bring in a fresh face.

It is likely Town could move for a former 'keeper. With Jackson promising a transfer deal which will make supporters smile, is set to move for Steve Harper who will not sign a new contract with Newcastle United.

Another likely target is Nico Vaesen. Vaesen was brought into the club during Jackson's first stint in charge and was released recently by Birmingham City, the club he joined from Town.

Senior, 23 was an academy product but Town cannot guarantee him first team football. Naturally disappointed by his release Senior called it a "kick in the teeth" and will now spend the summer searching for a new club. He would have liked to have known earlier rather than at the last minute.

Jackson says he needs a 'keeper that will really test Paul Rachbuka for the number 1 shirt, maybe it was more he just could not pull of a deal to release the American instead of Senior who came through all the ranks at Town.

Also released is striker Junior Mendes and midfielder Tony Carss. David Graham has returned to Sheffield Wednesday following the expiry of his loan as he looks to rebuild his career in South Yorkshire. Graham made 16 appearances for Town scoring 6 goals

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The spirit of Town relying on youth products to progress the club does not appear to have evaporated despite the play-off semi-final defeat to Barnsley. Peter Jackson has offered new one year contracts to James Hand, James McCombe and Aaron Hardy.

Jackson and chairman Ken Davy have vowed to rebuild the Terriers for next season as they aim for automatic promotion for the Terriers, something they have not tasted since the last 1980's. Town need a conventional end of season for a change with automatic promotion.

Although the Terriers will be looking to further improve on the three season's since Jackson's return, they will be aware that the last time Town failed in the play-off's in this division the season after they slipped into the bottom tier of English football.

This time everyone connected with Huddersfield Town cannot let that happen!

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Former Town striker Iffy Onoura has been released as manager of Swindon Town following the Robins relegation from League One last season.

Sunderland striker Jon Stead who came through the Town ranks could be on his way to South Yorkshire. Sheffield United are set to make a £600,000 offer for the underfire Sunderland forward.

Town's second leg battle with Barnsley on Monday evening at the Galpharm Stadium will see the same sides that battled out the first leg. Town who take into the return clash a slender 1-0 lead came through the match without any injuries.

Barnsley will also name the same side, as they look to turn around the tie to book a place against Swansea City in the League One final on May 27th.

In a match which is expected to be played with the same passion and at the same tempo as the first leg, both clubs are hoping that referee Chris Foy will let the game flow, as did Thursday evenings referee at Oakwell.

The officials:

Referee: Mr C J FOY
Assistants: Mr A M Garratt and Mr J H Holbrook
Fourth Official : Mr P Armstrong

The format of the tie tomorrow if the scores are all level at full-time. There will be 30 minutes of extra-time and then if required penalties.

The weather for the game is set to continue the weekend weather of light drizzly rain. The wind speed will be around 6 mph from the South East

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Sixth placed Swansea City stormed to victory over third place Brentford at Griffin Park to book their place in the League One Play-Off final.

After a 1-1 draw at Swansea, City started the brighter and two goals inside seven first half minutes from former Town striker Leon Knight, was enough to seal victory for the Welsh side in London.

Brentford who missed out narrowly on automatic promotion lost at this stage of the play-offs last season and have now been unsuccessful in their six adventures in the play-offs.

City who took the game to the hosts could have been behind from the first attack of the game but Jamie Smith's effort was poor. In a game of few clear cut chances, bar the Knight goals and of a number of strong challenges, the Swans will have been happy with their performance and how they controlled the game after the goals

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The official mascot of Doncaster Rovers - "Donny the Dog" has had a personal apology by West Yorkshire Police. The mascot worn by My Liney was refused entry to the Galpharm Stadium on police intelligence.

The police have since met with Liney to apologise for the confusion and Kirkless Superintendent of Operations Nigel Hibbert has said in a letter to Liney: "In my eyes your character should be regarded as unblemished. I truly regret any embarrassment this incident has caused you". Police appear to have made this decision based on other factors and not on the mascot's behaviour.

It appeared to have some weighting on intelligence based on disorder in the town centre prior to kick-off.

The incident occurred before Town's game with Rovers March 4th. The game ended 2-2, with David Graham and Martin McIntosh the Town goalscorers

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Gary Taylor-Fletcher scores the only goal of an excellent match on 85 minutes following a Barnsley mix-up. The Terriers dominated the tie and should have scored a number of goals in the opening 45 minutes. Town will now take a deserved lead into the second leg at the Galpharm Stadium on Monday.

It was a night of passion, as Town took the match to their hosts from the first whistle. Town had two gilt-edged chances in the opening 8 minutes and with legend Andy Booth and Martin McIntosh winning everything in the air, and David Graham looking hungry it felt that it was a matter of time when Town would score.

They justifiably grabbed the winner with 5 minutes remaining, despite the second half been a much closer contest with Paul Rachbuka making an excellent save on 67 minutes. Both teams hit the woodwork in an entertaining clash, but what would have warmed the hearts of Town fans is that as the game went into 3 minutes of injury time, it was the Terriers who were looking to add to their lead.

Swansea City came from behind to draw 1-1 in South Wales against 10-man Brentford in the night's other semi-final. Brentford took the lead on 29 minutes (Tabb), only to see in the second half their 'keeper get sent off and with three minutes remaining a deflected Ricketts shot nestled into the back of the net.

Tomorrow evening's match with Barnsley is set to be a massive gate with Town revealing that they only have 1,900 tickets remaining for the clash. Oakwell Stadium holds around 23,000 with home indication the Tykes have sold 11,000 tickets already.

Town fans will pack into the North Stand and Barnsley report that they have sold 2,500 of their 4,000 allocation for the Galpharm clash on Monday evening. Town will be captained by Jon Worthington who returns to the side having missed the last three league matches through suspension and Peter Jackson will name a strong side on Thursday.

Talisman Andy Booth will return to lead the line. He has had two involvement's in the play-offs with Town and will be looking to make three play-off promotions with his home town club. Leading goalscorer and club player of the season Booth is looking forward to seeing the North Stand at Oakwell full of the blue and white Town army.

With enthusiasm building amongst Town fans, the indications look likely that the fans travelling to Barnsley are set to make a massive noise and help give Town the 12th man!

Paul Taylor is the man in the middle for the big Yorkshire derby.

The ticket office will remain open until 4pm tomorrow evening for supporters wishing to purchase one of the remaining match tickets before making the short journey to Barnsley.

On Saturday the office will be open from 09:00 to 12:00 and on Sunday from 11:00 until the Giants kick-off

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The Yorkshire derby Play-Off semi final is set for two massive crowds. For the first leg in Barnsley the Terriers have already sold over 3,500 tickets, with over 14,000 tickets sold for the home clash at the Galpharm. Peter Jackson who is as always beaming with delight for the club and positive, believes that the club and the fans are ready for the play-offs.

The Terriers who averaged over 13,000 per league gate this season and attracted almost 20,000 for the home league tie with Barnsley in early April are set to top that with a massive travelling support due from South Yorkshire next Monday evening for the return clash.

Town will be taking, as always this season, a massive blue and white invasion force with a huge support following the Terriers at Oakwell.

The ticket office on Wednesday will be open between 09:30-17:00.

The Barnsley chairman who has seen his team prepare in the normal way having given the players Monday off, was full of praise to Town. Gordon Shepherd commented that Town was the better side when the two sides met in the league at Oakwell when a late Terriers goal grabbed a point in a 2-2 draw.

Thursday is a massive game for the Terriers and one in which they need a positive result. They must not lose and heap pressure on themselves for the second leg clash. However as was seen in the 2004 play-off semi-final against Lincoln City, an away win can turn around very quickly if the opposition grab the initiative.

On that night in 2004, the Town fans celebrated after a dramatic night of pressure and ecstasy before promotion in Cardiff.

This season, the club, if they are prepared, focused and ready they can do just that. Thoughts of the last two home matches need to leave the heads of the players, and the results against Barnsley this season forgotten.

The slate is clean, and the Terriers must perform during the next two matches if they are to line-up in Cardiff to go for a chance at promotion.

Due to the red shirts of Barnsley it will be possible for Town to wear the blue and white stripes for both the away and the home clash

Since the play-off tickets went on sale for next Monday's second leg clash with Barnsley the club as reported massive ticket sales. Almost 11,000 tickets have already been sold leading to some believing the clash could be a Galpharm sell-out.

The club seems to be ready and primed for the play-offs with Peter Jackson stating that his misfiring chargers are confident ahead of the mouthwatering semi-final clash with Barnsley. Jackson has told his players to concentrate on Barnsley and not even contemplate another visit to Cardiff for the final.

Jackson had "the time of his life" during the 2004 Play-Offs and he is looking forward to further excitement this time around.

Barnsley is also looking forward to the clash with their manager Andy Ritchie confident his Tykes side can overturn the Terriers. He is also quick to discount the league results this season

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Town fans wishing to purchase their ticket for the second leg to watch Town play Barnsley can do so, today between 10:00-16:00. Either visit the stadium ticket office or call them on 0870 444452. Be aware due to the popularity of this fixture, there will be queues both at the ticket office and on the phones.

Season ticket holders have until close of business Monday May 8th, 2006 to claim their seat. There are to be late night openings of the ticket office this week, at times to be communicated by the club.

For the first leg (the away leg) at Barnsley - tickets will be on sale (through pre-book) to:

- Season Ticket Holders
- Blue and White Foundation members (with a Swindon Town ticket stub)
- Patrons (with a Swindon Town ticket stub)

on Sunday May 7th, 2006.

Actual ticket sales for the aforementioned groups goes on sale go on sale Monday May 8th at 09:30

Tickets are on a strict one on one basis

All remaining tickets will go on general sale on Tuesday May 9th 2006 at 09:30

6,000 tickets are to be given to Town for Town fans to attend the first leg at Oakwell, with the second leg at the Galpharm Stadium a category A match pricings

1st leg:
Barnsley v Huddersfield
Thursday May 11th, 2006
19:45 kick off

2nd leg:
Huddersfield v Barnsley
Monday May 15th, 2006
19:45 kick off
category A match

Prices for the match at Barnsley are £20 (adults), concessions £12 (6,000 tickets allocated)

For the Galpharm Stadium category A pricing applies

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After Barnsley's victory over Walsall and Town's 0-0 draw at Swindon Town, it will be the Tykes v the Terriers in a Yorkshire derby to contest for a place in the League One play-off final.

Town last month beat Barnsley 1-0 at the Galpharm Stadium in front of nearly 20,000 supporters, with the sides drawing 2-2 at Oakwell on New Year's Eve.

In the other play-off match Brentford will play Swansea City. Brentford needed a victory and a Colchester United defeat for automatic promotion but the Bees could only draw at Bournemouth and Colchester United drew at Yeovil Town.

Swansea City ended the slim hopes of Nottingham Forest and Doncaster Rovers with a supreme 4-0 victory at Chesterfield.

Southend United are champions of League One with Colchester the second automatic side. In the play-offs it is Brentford, Town, Barnsley and Swansea City.

Joining Walsall and Swindon in relegation is the MK Dons and Hartlepool United.

Barnsley are set to give Town 6,000 tickets for the clash on Thursday May 11th. Tickets are priced £20 for adults and £12 concessions.

The return leg at the Galpharm Stadium takes place on Monday May 15th - with a 19:45 kick off time.

Both matches will be shown live on SkySports television

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Although he was rested for the final regular league match at Swindon Town this afternoon, Andy Booth is the top goalscorer for Town. Fellow striker Pawel Abbott failed to find the goal to put him level with Booth on 13 league goals and 15 overall

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Already certain of a play-off place Town drew 0-0 in an end of season stalemate against already relegated Swindon Town. Peter Jackson made his, as expected, widescale number of changes to protect the more key players from injury. Andy Booth and Gary Taylor Fletcher noticeable absentees.

In the end the Terriers had to hang on for a point after Tom Clarke was sent off for his second yellow card on 68 minutes, although a spectacular lob from Jon McAliskey almost won it for the Terriers with 6 minutes left. The Swindon 'keeper was off his line and although McAliskey was just inches inside the Swindon half his lob hit the top of the bar with Evans in the Swindon goal struggling.

Jackson called it a battling point, but admitted that his side will be looking forward to a "fantastic" semi-final matches against near neighbours Barnsley. Jackson is also aware of what his team will be for the play-offs. Jackson felt that Tom Clarke's sending off was "harsh" but he will now be missing for two matches

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Following the conclusion of this afternoon's matches, Huddersfield Town will have confirmed their opponent for the semi-final of the League One play-offs. In contention are Barnsley, Swansea City, Nottingham Forest and there is an outside chance of Doncaster Rovers making the play-offs.

thisisthebarmyarmy.co.uk will bring you the admission prices for the game and number of tickets likely to be available for the clash.

Check back later for the result from the County Ground and the play-off news, plus all the promotion and relegation news from League One

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Due to Town's participation in the League One play-offs thisisthebarmyarmy.co.uk has decided to extend the player of the season vote. Originally the vote was to end on Saturday May 27th however Town could be involved in the League One final on that date.

Therefore the date of the announcement will be extended until Thursday June 1st, 2006.

Swindon who are managed by former Town striker Iffy Onoura are already relegated but are hoping to restore a little bit of pride with a victory over the Terriers

Jackson looks to rest a number of players ahead of the play-off campaign meaning that many of the fringe players could feature at the County Ground. Town will be backed by almost 1,600 supporters in the South West.

Jackson wants a good performance despite nothing critical resting on a victory

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Midfielder Tony Carss who once scored one of the best ever goals scored for Huddersfield Town, has been told that he will not be getting a contract extension. Carss who has missed much of this season through injury sees his Terriers contract expire this summer

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Injured defender Andy Holdsworth is confident that he will be fit for Town's play-off challenge. Holdsworth who has been missing for the last few matches of the regular season with a groin injury is aiming to be match fit to play in the play-off's

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On loan striker David Graham will stay with the Terriers for the play-off's. Sheffield Wednesday has allowed their striker to remain on loan at the Galpharm. The Owls will then talk about Graham's future on conclusion of the Terriers play-off campaign.

Graham has scored nine times for the Terriers in 15 appearances this season is keen to score the goals to send Town into the Championship

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Season ticket holders need to purchase their seat before the end of Saturday trading at the ticket office irrespective of the opponent and the date. All reserved seating not sold, will go on general sale on Monday May 8th.

The away leg will go on general sale at 09:30 Tuesday May 9th. Tickets for season ticket holders, patrons and Blue and White Foundation members can pre-purchase their ticket before this date from 09:30 Monday morning

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Third place will play 6th place whilst it's 4th versus 5th in the semi-final stages of the play-off's.

The winners will then contest the final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

The semi-final matches will take place on Thursday May 11th (first leg) and Sunday May 14th (or Monday May 15th) (second leg).

The final will take place on Saturday May 27th

The average attendance for this season is up from 11,909 from last season. The promotion campaign of 2003/2004 saw an average attendance of 10,528.

This season marks the highest average home attendance at the Galpharm Stadium in seven years, when Town who missed out narrowly on the Division One (now Championship) play-off's had average attendance's of 13,618.

So good as the support been this season, that the 2005/2006 attendance's are the fifth highest since the 1970/1971 season.

Highest Average League Gates since 1970/1971:

1. 1970/1971 - 23,228
2. 1971/1972 - 15,464
3. 1999/2000 - 13,618
4. 1995/1996 - 13,150
5. 2005/2006 - 13,057
6. 2000/2001 - 12,808

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Peter Jackson is rumoured to be poised to make a move for former loan keeper Steve Harper irrespective of what division Town are playing in next season. Harper who enjoyed a great loan spell from Newcastle United during Jackson's first era in charge, is said to be happy to return to Huddersfield.

Jackson who has seen his first choice goalkeeper Paul Rachbuka struggle for form this season would be happy to pay off the American to pave the way for Harper to leave the North East. However, Jackson cannot afford to do that and it would appear that not giving a contract to Phil Senior would be the route Jackson will take.

Harper is out of contract with Newcastle at the end of the season, and it would appear that Harper is not ready to sign a new deal

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April 2006 news archived