Nottingham Forest v Huddersfield Town - ‘Imperative we stay in this division and we will’

Entrusted with the reins at the club in September, Cowley was plunged head-first into a relegation battle which he was always quick to stress would probably go right down to the wire, even during the Terriers’ upturn in mid-autumn.

Joint-bottom of the table when Cowley arrived with spirits in the camp at a low ebb, Town are now fifth from bottom, but just a point above the drop zone.

Their fates are still very much on a knife-edge and if results go against them, they could be in the relegation positions by the close of play today.

Should Town survive and retain their status in a season which has been transitional on and off the pitch, Cowley will heave a sigh of relief and he remains confident they will do just that in a campaign which has been long and winding.

The former Lincoln City chief said: “For different reasons, this has been my biggest challenge, without a doubt.

“It has been the most learning I have taken from a season, which I am so appreciative of.

“When you have one point in nine games, you don’t expect it to be easy.

“It has been the toughest period, definitely, and I am looking forward to getting on the right side of it and I am used to and I expect to.

“We need to for this football club and it is imperative we stay in this division and we will.”

Having never suffered three successive defeats in his time as a manager, Cowley alluded to some motivation in the here and now as Town seek to get back in the good books of himself and supporters following a poor home defeat to Wigan on football’s resumption at the John Smith’s Stadium.

He added: “We have had a good week, but nobody cares about that, they only care what happens on a match-day and I understand that.

“It is time for us to make sure we respond with actions.

“You either you lie down or get up and fight.”

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