Huddersfield boss Lee Clark is attempting to build a squad capable of competing with the big guns in League One after they fell short last term.
It is the former
Newcastle and
Sunderland midfielder’s first job as a manager and he knows he has to deliver in his first full season at the helm. With the likes of
Leeds,
Norwich, and
Charlton all pushing hard it will be a gruelling division, but Clark knows exactly what he wants.
Q: What are you aiming for this season?
A: I want to create an environment in which players have to be on top of their game every day. It’s about being switched on for training as well as matches, and to achieve that you have to have ample replacements for every position standing by.
Q: You've already made a few moves in the transfer market?
A: Signing
Antony Kay will help us achieve competition in midfield – and don’t forget he can play centre-back as well – and now we have a similar situation in central defence.
Peter Clarke has got a great pedigree, having come through the ranks at
Everton, played for England Under 21s (eight times) and turned out in the Championship.
Q: What will he bring to the team?
A: He’s been an extremely consistent performer for
Southend, who were keen to keep hold of him after he won their player of the year award.
I’ve seen him play several times and had him watched many more, and I think he’ll do a great job for us, both because of his ability and mentality. Like Antony Kay, he’s a natural leader, and I want them right down the spine of my side.
Q: You'll be up against some big guns - including your old club Norwich?
A: They’re all big clubs with proud traditions, and while that doesn’t bring success, they have the staff and facilities which play a big part. I obviously know Norwich the best and I think they’ve made a good managerial appointment in Bryan Gunn, who has now done just about every job possible there.
Q: How do you think they will fair at this level?
A: Obviously adjustments will have to be made in the wake of relegation, and
Southampton’s financial troubles have been well documented too. But they all have some good young players on the books and the nucleus of strong squads, and
Leicester showed how to respond to relegation in the best possible way.
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