Middlesbrough v Huddersfield: Powell wants Terriers looking up not down

MUCH has changed at Huddersfield Town since they last faced Middlesbrough, 18 weeks ago.
Chris PowellChris Powell
Chris Powell

Chris Powell was taking charge of his first game when Boro visited the John Smith’s Stadium and the Terriers chief was given a rude awakening as to the task facing him.

Boro required a stoppage time penalty by Grant Leadbitter to clinch all three points but, on the balance of play and chances created, only one team looked the part that Saturday afternoon.

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Four months on and Huddersfield will take on Boro in a contest that should give an insight into just how far Powell’s men have come since that loss.

Powell said: “I want to look up rather than down. I’m sure our fans look at the table and see that we are 10 points from sixth and eight points from the bottom three.

“I want that to be the other way around. That’s something for us to target and strive for. Now we are out of the cups, we need something to achieve.

“The club’s league position has improved year-on-year for the last six seasons, so straight away our aim is to finish higher than last year and show improvement.”

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After moving on several squad members this month, he is looking to strengthen and build on the impressive steps forward taken under his charge.

The Town chief added: “It is no secret I want a striker but there just aren’t too many available. I am okay with it, though. The squad is okay.

“We need the right type of player and any deal has to be financially right. We haven’t managed to get anything over the line yet, but there is still time.

“We spent over £1m this time last year, but that won’t be happening again this January. We’re cutting our cloth accordingly.”