Huddersfield Town v Exeter City: Martin Drury on why the FA Cup is no side issue to him

The Town head coach revealed that dressing-room talk switched to cup matters in the immediate aftermath of their midweek draw with another form side at the top end of League One in Luton Town.

In the past two seasons, the Terriers have bowed out at the first-round stage, including an embarrassing defeat at non-league Tamworth in front of the TV cameras in November 2024.

For Drury, pitting his wits against the very best at a tactical level particularly inspires him. He also sees a cup run as something which can dovetail with his side's fine league form, viewing it as a help not a hindrance.

On the importance of a cup run, Drury said: "I'd love to. We'd all love to. That's the first thing we said after the game the other night after Luton.

"We want to go far in the competition. We want to progress. We want to continue doing what we're doing as a group and continuing our performances and developing our performances."

As a football fan, Drury has his own special memories of the competition, having attended the famous Steel City semi-final at the old Wembley between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday in 1993.

"Of course, that's why we're all in the game," added Drury, who who was brought up in Rotherham.

"If we can do something, be successful in the competition and progress—and hopefully get a draw against someone right at the very top of the football pyramid—then that would be amazing. That's what I'd love for us to do.

“I've always loved watching it. I've got a memory of going to Wembley in 1993 - Sheffield Wednesday against Sheffield United - obviously living over that way.”

In-form wing-back Ilias Bronkhorst is a doubt this afternoon.

The Dutchman has picked up a slight hip issue and Town may elect to err on the side of caution.

Striker Bojan Radulovic, who has missed the past four games with a hamstring problem, may be involved.

Captain Ryan Ledson is back from a three-game suspension.