Town close in on new manager as Lillis looks to Reading

Dean Hoyle is keeping interim manager Mark Lillis appraised daily as search for Huddersfield Town's new manager goes on.

The Terriers are searching for a new manager for the third time in four seasons following the departure of Robins just a few hours after the opening-day thrashing by Bournemouth.

All manner of names have been linked with a vacancy that saw Town inundated with applications, which were quickly whittled down to a workable shortlist.

Academy manager Lillis, who met chairman Dean Hoyle for an update on the managerial search ahead of taking training yesterday, said: “I will take the team at Reading and we will then touch base after the game.

“The chairman said (yesterday morning) that he will keep me updated on a daily basis.

“Hopefully, there might be something happening by the end of this week. Or maybe next week. That is down to the club how they want to go about things, but they know I am here for advice.

“That is the information I have been given so the main focus for the club is Reading.”

Lillis successfully steered Town to two wins and just one defeat in a five-game spell in temporary charge at the start of 2013 after the departure of Simon Grayson. He added: “This club is in good, safe hands with Dean Hoyle, just like the team is with me. We are always thinking about Huddersfield Town and how we are going to take the club forward.

“Of course, it is disappointing not to have any points. But we are only two games in and we have progressed in the Cup (against Chesterfield), which was a boost.

“We have signed some good young players; ones that I like.

“You look at the likes of Jacob Butterfield, Conor (Coady) and Murray Wallace, and they are good lads who are hungry to learn. That is exactly what you want in a football club.

“You need that mixed with good professionals. If we get that mix right, we will have a better season than last.”

Lillis believes Huddersfield will travel south in confident mood despite having taken no points from two games while conceding seven goals.

He added: “It was difficult to take the loss (at Cardiff on Saturday), but I think the comeback at Chesterfield was the shot in the arm that was needed. We can build on that and I think you could see some of that belief in the second half (at Cardiff).”

James Vaughan (calf) will again be missing.

Last six games: Reading WWDDWW, Huddersfield Town WLWLWL.

Last time: Reading 1 Huddersfield 1; March 29, 2014; Championship.

Referee: S Attwell (Warwickshire).