Huddersfield Town v Northampton: Lee Grant's important message to form striker Bojan Radulovic
DURING a decidedly mixed 2025 for Huddersfield Town, the comeback story of Bojan Radulovic has provided one of the most uplifting tales.
Back in the summer, few observers would have stated with any degree of confidence that the former Serbia under-19 striker had a future in English football, let alone one at Town.
The smart money appeared to be on Radulovic heading back to the continent after a fraught time since joining Huddersfield in the 2024 winter window. He played out the final months of last season on loan at Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard.
Sometimes life is full of unexpected surprises, with Radulovic's recent renaissance having been heartening.
Since early October, the 25-year-old has found the net six times, including in the recent wins over Port Vale and Rotherham United.
His link-up play was also a joy to behold against Vale on Boxing Day. It drew praise from manager Lee Grant, but his message to him is simple. Don't let up.
Grant said: "I've been fortunate to work with some really talented forwards, but I really enjoy working with Bojan. He first got back on the scene weeks ago and the reason he found himself back on it was because of his work and his level.
"He's pushing and trying and he's given us a lot in training.
"That, for me, is what is allowing his work to translate from the training ground into match days and he's got to continue with that and he's showing lots of sides to himself that perhaps people hadn't seen enough of.
"So I'm delighted that he's been able to do that and is giving a true reflection of himself. He has to keep fighting and pushing to keep showing that."
Town, seeking a third straight league success for the first time this term, face a Northampton side who were thrashed at Burton on Boxing Day.
Meanwhile, the Terriers' big 5-0 win will have the effect of raising expectations again among their followers.
Grant added: "We know that it's going to be a tough test, that's for sure. They showed us that a couple of weeks ago.
"There's always expectation, whether it's AFC Wimbledon or Wigan at home. If we don't live up to those expectations, we've got to be ready (for criticism).
"We know that it (Boxing Day) may raise the bar for one or two. That's fine; we should relish that because if it wasn't the case, it would mean that perhaps things weren't going our way."