Danny Cowley insists Huddersfield Town's players do care - 'I would never pick anybody who didn't'

The Terriers travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday on the back of one win in six post-lockdown matches and the limpness of Friday's televised defeat at home to then-bottom-of-the-table Luton Town caused some supporters to question the commitment of his players.

Manager Cowley insists he has no concerns on that front, and pointed to his end-of-2019 clearout of the squad as proof that he would not tolerate poor attitudes if he had.

“Football's an emotional game,” commented. “Emotion after games, particularly when teams lose, is always high and people will make comments and judgements off the back of that emotion, that's natural.

“I always try to say it honestly. You can accuse me of many things but you can't accuse me of not fronting up and telling the truth. If I thought the players weren't trying, I'd be the first to tell you, I can promise you that.

“There are some things for me that are acceptable and some that are completely unacceptable but this group, I promise you, care. They're trying really hard.

“Maybe one or two are short of a little bit of confidence or rhythm for one reason or another but don't confuse that with them not trying or caring because I promise you they care. I would never pick anybody who didn't.

“Don't forget, this is all of our lives at stake. I wouldn't pick anyone who I didn't think cared or had Huddersfield Town at heart. I think you've probably seen from my decisions in the past that if I did think that, I wouldn't pick them, they wouldn't be anywhere near the group.

“Running around and trying hard is a pre-requisite.”

Town are still three points away from the 50-point target Cowley set them to escape what is becoming an increasingly tight relegation battle. With three games to play they are only two points and two places above Hull City in the relegation zone, although Wigan Athletic are due to have 12 points docked for entering administration unless they successfully appeal or win enough points (they currently have 54) that they would not be relegated anyway.

Sheffield Wednesday can only be relegated if they have enough points deducted should they been found guilty of misconduct. Their case over the “how and when” of the sale and lease-back of Hillsborough has been heard, but no verdict has yet been delivered.

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