Dealing with added pressures is crucial to Terriers

In 38-year-old Clark’s first two full seasons at the Galpharm Stadium, the Terriers reached the play-offs only to suffer a double dose of heartache.

Last May’s final defeat to Peterborough United was the most devastating of the two, especially as Town had gone into the Old Trafford meeting with Darren Ferguson’s side unbeaten in 27 games.

Regan, who played for Town for five years from 1988, admits that 3-0 reverse meant the summer started on a low. Now, however, he insists is a time to look forward as Huddersfield look to justify the bookmakers’ faith after being priced as favourites to win League One.

He said: “The big thing this season is how Town deal with the pressure. They have missed out twice in a row now and a lot of the supporters did feel let down by how the final went.

“Now, the team has to deliver and that means promotion. It won’t be easy as Sheffield Wednesday can’t be as rubbish as they were last season, while Sheffield United’s hugely promising group of youngsters could make an impact under Danny Wilson.

“Preston will also fancy their chances of going up so it is not going to be easy. Starting well is vital, so there can be no hangover from the final.

“There is a real sense of expectation that Town will go up this year and the players have to be able to handle that and deliver.”

Clark has been busy in the transfer market this summer with Anthony Pilkington and Lee Peltier having departed for a combined £3m. Among the new arrivals have been Danny Ward, Calum Woods and Tommy Miller, while Damien Johnson is once again back at Huddersfield on loan after recovering from the cruciate ligament injury that saw him forced to return to Plymouth Argyle at Christmas.

O’Regan said: “There have been two big-money departures but I think both represent good business. Lee Peltier did well but there is a ready made replacement in Jack Hunt, who did very well last season, already at the club.

“Lee Clark has also brought in the lad from Dunfermline (Woods) so Pelts leaving shouldn’t be a problem. The same goes with Anthony Pilkington, due to Danny Ward having joined.

“I don’t think Town supporters saw the best of Danny last season, certainly not compared to how good he was with Swindon the previous year. But, now he is settled at Huddersfield, he should have a good season.”

As for Town’s prospetcs, O’Regan added: “I don’t think we played as good a football last season as in 2009-10 but it was effective. That was probably down to how strong the team were physically, while the system away from home made Town a lot more solid.

“But, even so, I would prefer it if we had a more settled formation this time. If we can get that sorted then it should be a good season.”