Huddersfield Town v Macclesfield Town: Chairman Hoyle has faith in Clark and Terriers

Hoyle criticised the team's performance in the club's match-day programme last weekend but stressed yesterday that there is no rift with Clark who 'come rain or shine' will still be manager of the club at the end of the season.

Chairman Hoyle held a meeting with the entire playing staff on Monday to explain the reasoning behind his programme notes and expressed his desire for the club to move forward as a collective.

"It was a frank and honest exchange; I explained my thoughts and the players were very forthright in giving their views, too," he said.

"Following that meeting, I have no doubt that the players have the desire to drive this club forward," added Hoyle.

"I am 100 per cent behind Lee, come rain or shine, he will be the manager of this football club at the end of the season."

Town face League Two oppostition in the form of Macclesfield Town in the second round of the FA Cup this afternoon at the Galpharm stadium.

Clark's Terriers made hard work of overcoming Conference side Cambridge United after a first-round replay while Macclesfield progressed after a hard-fought tie against fellow League Two side Southend United.

Both sides have been involved in midweek fixtures and come into the game on the back of contrasting results.

Clark's team got back to form by thumping MK Dons 4-1 on Tuesday night, while Macclesfield suffered their first loss in five league games at the hands of Cheltenham Town.

The Terriers have notched up three wins in their last five games and are full of confidence, but Clark knows that his side will not have it all their own way.

"We're in fifth place in the division, in the second round of the FA Cup and in the Northern Area semi-final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, so we're well-positioned at the moment," said the manager.

"Macclesfield have a successful style of play and until they played Cheltenham on Tuesday night they were on a very good run, so we know we are in for a very tough cup tie here. They will fight, scrap and battle for everything and cause us problems through set plays in particular."

Meanwhile, Town have announced the departure of renowned performance coach Steve Black, with "personal reasons" ending a two-year involvement with the club.

The vacant role will be filled by Black's assistant Andy Kiwomya.