Enforced lockdown helps Huddersfield Town chief make long-term plans

The Terriers have not played since the 2-0 defeat at Elland Road on March 7 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and have been told by the Football League not to expect to return to work at their Canalside training complex before May 16 at the earliest.

Manager Cowley, who is isolating in Lincoln, is trying to use the time to create a physical record of their coaching “philosophy” to be used throughout the club.

“We’ve done some work around our coaching library, I’m trying to work hard with Nicky (his brother and assistant) to put all our drills into a library so hopefully we can use that with the academy to ensure a smooth transition when the academy players train with us and use similar drills,” he told the club’s official YouTube channel.

“We’re trying to create a coaching curriculum for Huddersfield Town which we think will certainly help our planning. We’re trying to find different ways both on and off the grass to coach and educate the players.

“Hopefully, that will help the environment and the players when we get back to playing.”

Cowley continued: “We’re trying to see the opportunity in this moment, trying to be positive, keep a good routine and work really hard. It will put us in a really good space once we get back to playing.”

Rotherham United assistant manager Richie Barker spoke recently about how the Millers’ management have been able to go far deeper into recruitment homework than would normally be possible in the hurly-burly of a season. Huddersfield have done likewise and Cowley has enjoyed being able to think longer-term.

“It’s given us a really good chance to look at the opportunities, the provisions, the environment and the culture we’re trying to create for the players and try to find ways of making it better,” he said. “It’s been a really enjoyable process, actually.

“The nature of football is you go from game to game, and even when we’ve been lucky enough to have had success at our previous clubs you move on very quickly to the next project. This has given us an opportunity to be more strategic and look longer-term, look into our recruitment, planning and coaching.”