Huddersfield Town v Reading: Powell plots Cup run to galvanise Terriers

One of the less happier ones from a White Rose perspective, however, involved Huddersfield Town manager Chris Powell.

Then in charge of Charlton Athletic, the Londoner masterminded victories over both the Terriers and Sheffield Wednesday.

It was after the second of those when Powell, then under intense pressure at The Valley, celebrated in front of the travelling Addicks fans by swinging on the crossbar.

Considering how dejected the Wednesday fans were at missing out on a quarter-final date with Steel City rivals United, many did not notice but Powell’s exuberance at Hillsborough shows he recognises just what a good Cup run can do for a club. Hence why he is targeting the start of another today against Reading.

“We definitely want to have a good run in the competition,” said the Town chief. “I have seen how it can galvanise a club.

“I remember last season’s FA Cup with fondness but also disappointment, because Charlton were within 90 minutes of getting to Wembley for a semi-final.

“Sheffield United beat us to get there, and now they’re through to the semis in the Capital One Cup. That shows what can be achieved by clubs of our size, so why not go for it?”

Powell has a fine balancing act today in terms of sending out a team capable of beating Reading while also rotating a squad that has just come through a punishing December.

He added: “I have the opportunity to give minutes on the pitch to one or two players who need them. But I want to win so will be putting out a strong side.”