After a woeful season that included relegation, administration, boardroom changes and a managerial departure, Huddersfield supporters will be hoping that the Yorkshire club are now sailing into calmer waters. Peter Jackson has returned to the McAlpine after replacing Mick Wadsworth in the hot seat, and he will again link up with Terry Yorath, who has been named his assistant. The duo first took charge of the Terriers back in 1997, when the club were then in the First Division, but they were sacked 18 months later when the club appointed Steve Bruce as the new boss. A consortium led by Huddersfield Giants chairman Ken Davy came to the club's rescue at the end of March and Town are now planning to come out of administration at the beginning of next month. Jackson has wasted no time in rebuilding his playing squad and Jon Newby, Rob Edwards and Ian Gray have all arrived in the close season. One player who will be a key figure for the Terriers next season is experienced striker Andy Booth and the 29-year-old took time out to talk to givemefootball's Mark Shail.
Q:HOW HAS PRE-SEASON TRAINING GONE SO FAR?
A:It's gone very well, the players have come back looking sharp and although it has been tough it has also been pretty enjoyable.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF PETER JACKSON?
A:He's seems to have fitted in fine and his training sessions have been good. Although it's the first time I have worked under Peter I did know him from my early days at Huddersfield when I was a young player and he was the club captain.
Q:HOW HAVE THE NEW SIGNINGS SETTLED IN?
A:It was a little bit strange on the first day back because so many players from last season had left the club and there were a number of new signings as well as a large group of other players here on trial. But the club probably needed some changes after last season and I'm sure all the new signings will do very well.
Q:WHAT IS THE CURRENT FINANCIAL SITUATION AT THE CLUB?
A:The players haven't been paid for two months, but we have been assured that the situation should be resolved in a matter of days. The club is also hoping to move out of administration before the start of the season. It has been a difficult period for the club but now we are all looking to the future.
Q:HOW IS THE MORALE IN THE CAMP - BEARING IN MIND YOU HAVEN'T BEEN PAID FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS?
A:It's surprisingly good under the circumstances. At one stage there was some doubt whether the club would still be around, so we all pleased that the financial situation is starting to look a little better. Next season is a new challenge for everyone and hopefully the club can now move forward.
Q:IT WILL BE YOUR FIRST SEASON IN THE THIRD DIVISION, ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IT?
A:I'm just looking forward to playing again. Last season was a bitter disappointment for everyone at Huddersfield and hopefully we can get a few good early results and get the club going in the right direction again.
Q:WHAT IS A REALISTIC TARGET FOR THE CLUB NEXT SEASON?
A:Bearing in mind all the changes at the club it's probably asking too much for us to win automatic promotion, but I can't see any reason why we shouldn't be in contention for a play-off place.
