Huddersfield Town limped to the end of the season with a tepid draw against Reading. I can’t tell you much more about it than that as I didn’t bother watching the game. Instead I had a pub lunch in a soggy beer garden which was infinitely more entertaining.
Now the season is over the first bit of business will be for Town to announce which players in the current squad will be offered new deals and which ones will be leaving the club. Here are my predictions.
New deals
Romoney Crichlow
This first one is cheating a bit as he’s already posted on social media about how he’s looking forward to playing for Town next season. Arguably he’s at an age where he needs regular first team football and Rarmani Edmonds-Green’s success may limit his chances as we won’t want to play two young Central defenders together. The fact he’s left-footed means he’s good cover and competition for Sarr or he may be seen as his long-term successor and sent out on loan to build up experience. Guy
Alex Vallejo
I had very low expectations for him when he was signed as a free agent after the transfer window had shut but he’s proved to be a valuable squad member. It took a long time for him to get up to speed but when he got into the side he showed he’s got a good eye for a pass and is composed on the ball. Adjusting to the pace of the Championship was tricky for him initially but I think he’s got used to it now. Provided his wage demands aren’t ridiculous I’d like to see him given an extension.
Fraizer Campbell
At the start of the season I’d have expected him to leave but he’s made 40 appearances this season and his fitness, rather than waning as he advances in years, has improved under Corberán. Hopefully we’ll have better options up front that will limit his chances but I’d still offer him a deal as backup as he’s reliable even if he isn’t spectacular.
Juninho Bacuna (then sell him)
If it’s true that Rangers and various Turkish clubs want him then it seems like good business to trigger the extension clause for the extra year on his contract and then sell him for a small fee. Despite the fact he’s so frustrating to watch for 90% of the time, I suspect you could put together a YouTube compilation of his best bits and trick prospective buyers into thinking he’s an incredible talent.
Carel Eiting
While he’s not our player to offer a new deal to, I hope that we can either extend his loan another season or buy him outright from Ajax. Obviously his knee injury is a concern but I think it’s worth the gamble because he has quality that we don’t otherwise have in the squad.
Jayson Leutwiler
He’s yet to play for Town but assuming he’s doing alright in training and there aren’t better options then I don’t see why we won’t offer him a new deal as our third choice then bring in someone wise who can also challenge Schofield for the number 1 spot.
Leaving the club
Isaac Mbenza
It’s been a pleasant surprise to see him resurrect his Huddersfield Town career this season. Sadly he’s been hampered by niggling injuries lately. His attitude also seemed to dip in his recent outgoings, suggesting he knew he wasn’t getting a new deal and didn’t want to pick up an injury. I’d guess he’s one of our top earners and most likely wouldn’t want to take a pay cut to stay in West Yorkshire. Despite his recent improvements, he’s not been good enough to break the bank to make him stay.
Alex Pritchard
Diakhaby and Mbenza are the first names mentioned when talking about our Premier League transfer blunders but Pritchard is worse in many ways. The former were signed mostly on the basis of their potential but Pritchard arrived having always had several very good seasons under his belt. Then he just didn’t click at Town and if anything has got steadily worse. After some good friendly performances, I thought he might have a great year under Carlos this season but more injuries and pathetic performances have meant he’s been a peripheral figure despite being another on a a significant wage.
Christopher Schindler
There have been stories circulating about him wanting to return to Germany for a few years now so it seems to be widely accepted that he’s on his way now. He was an absolute legend during our promotion and first Premier League seasons and was key in our survival last season too. It’s a real shame that fans can’t say goodbye properly to him but hopefully he’ll be back over to see us at some point soon.
Yaya Sanogo
I think he’s been OK in the games he’s played for Town but he’s not scored despite taking a penalty and being provided with some reasonable chances. His physical presence is useful to have but I think there will most likely be better options out there in the summer.
Jaden Brown
Like Crichlow, Brown has already let the cat out of the bad by leaving a thank you message on social media and talking about moving on to his next challenge. I’m a bit sad about him leaving because he was doing well until Toffolo arrived. His opportunities have been limited since but he’s not impressed when he’s been given them so it makes sense he’s leaving. The writing was on the wall for him when half the squad were tried at leftback instead of him during Toffolo’s injury.
Demeaco Duhaney
I think he could be a very steady League One or Two rightback but I’ve not seen enough from him to warrant another contract at Town. He’s not much younger than Pipa so should be approaching him prime now. He’s done OK in several matches but I’ve never been completely convinced by him.
Richard Keogh
He’s actually done OK despite widespread reservations when he arrived in the January window. He is most likely a bit too slow to play at this level now and I’d like to think we can do better.
Richard Stearman
Hasn’t been able to knock Keogh out of the starting eleven since returning to fitness so I can’t see him getting a new deal either. He seems like a nice bloke and has done alright for Town but if you see how fondly fans of his previous clubs talk about him, it’s clear we’ve not had him in his prime and he’s only going to get slower and less assured with age.
Tommy Elphick
After a bumpy start, he was just coming into form when he suffered his horror injury that ruled him out for well over a year. He’s back to fitness now but it’s not clear if he’s operating at Championship level or not. It wouldn’t stun me to see him taking on a coaching role but I doubt he’ll sign another playing contract for Town.
Oumar Niasse
Another one on this list that has been the victim of rotten luck, someone fell awkwardly on top of him in a B Team game and the groin injury that followed meant he never got a chance to play for Town. There was a rumour on social media he may even retire at the end of this season but even if he doesn’t I can’t see us offering another deal.
Update: Joel Pereira
Thanks to Danny Ledger on Twitter for pointing out I’d forgotten our loan keeper with the unfortunate nickname of poppadom hands. He’s out of contract this summer but surely we’ve seen enough from him to know he’s not up to the standard.
Yes we can sign some exciting players from the lower leagues and even more exciting players on loan from the premier league.But under this current management and I include Hodgkinson is can they make them gel into a formidable set up to come good in the championship?It seems to me looking at the situation objectively Town have had absolutely no success since Dean Hoyle left his position as chairman and I think the rot has set in.We need a top to toe clear out at Huddersfield Town including the heirachy.
It’s hard to argue than anyone at the club deserves to stay on merit but we’ve had a lot of inconsistency at boardroom level over the last few years and I think that can be unsettling. While I’m not convinced by them, I think Phil will keep the things the same as it would be far too late to being someone new in now as the transfers need doing as soon as possible.
While we’ve had a very disappointing few years, I’m trying to remain optimistic that we’ll have a good summer and lay foundations for a better season ahead. I can’t give good reasons for my optimism, so maybe blind hope is a better way of saying it.
The first to bite the bullet should be Bromby. His ability to source decent transfer targets is woeful. This has been a massive issue for the club since the debacle of the second season in the Premier League with the role of ‘Head of Football operations’ failing miserably. I guess this is why Cowley was sacked as he wanted control of signings and Hidgkinson didn’t want a Manager taking on that responsibility. Corberan must have more say in who comes and who goes. He’s the one that has to work with them. We also need to move quick and show some intent or Season Card sales will nose dive.
Everyone you’re releasing, I’d release. And I’d add 2 from your ‘new contract’ list:-
1. Campbell – thanks but no thanks. He’s probably exceeded expectations this season and that still wasn’t good enough for me.
2. Bacuna – I wouldn’t run the risk of getting landed with him! Nor would I want to flatter him into thinking you can have a season like he’s had and that’s good enough to earn a contract extension. He has some talent which makes it doubly reprehensible. (NB I think you mean ‘compilation’ not ‘complication’).
Plus I want to add one more to the list for immediate transfer or ‘negotiated release’ and that’s Schofield. He showed again on Saturday what sort of keeper he is – he’s an agile shot-stopper who stays rooted to his goal line. He’s had a long run as first choice keeper and I’ve seen more than enough to know he’s certainly not Championship standard. I don’t even want him as back-up.
So you didn’t watch the Reading game? I said I wouldn’t but in the end couldn’t help myself. I only mention it because Reading gave a debut to a young goalkeeper and it shows what invariably happens if you take risks between the posts. I wouldn’t have been happy with my keeper tor either of Town’s goals – first one he was in a bad position to save it and the second one went under his body.
No doubt there’ll be more to say as things unfold.
It’s hard to mount a spirited defence for an aging striker that hasn’t scored enough goals bit I think we’d miss his workrate if we didn’t give him a new deal.
Thanks for spotting the typo about the Bacuna “complication”, autocorrect has scuppered me once more. I’m so bored of the discussions about whether he’ll reach his potential I’d be happy to see him leave for nothing but it would be nice to at least get some of our money back on him.
As for Schofield, he’s still got a bit to do before most fans believe he’s as good as the club seem to think he is. I suspect you’re going to find yourself further frustrated though as all signs point towards him being our first choice keeper next season. I just hope we sign genuine competition in case he has a crisis of confidence again.
I agree with Simon regarding Campbell and Bacuna. I also think that Schofield needs to go out on loan. I wouldn’t write him off yet but he needs more experience. Definitely not 1st choice for me. I think that recruiting the spine of the team early is essential. For me that means goalkeeper, two ambitious centre backs from League 1, Carel Eiting and/or a Premier League loan in midfield, and a striker from League 1 or Premier League loan who is ambitious.
Then we need a right winger, back up to Toffolo and back up to Pipa.
I know that Premier loans normally don’t get done until later in the window, so that leaves 6 or 7 replacements that need to be recruited quickly. I am hopeful that we have already identified the targets with involvement from CC but unfortunately I remain doubtful. Other than Jordan Rhodes, there do not seem to be many solid rumours, which makes me think that we could have a couple of Spanish players lined up.
I am positive about next season if the players we bring in are ambitious and want success. Also the centre back situation is interesting. I would be quite open to offering Elphick a coach/player deal. Some experience behind the scenes.
On the subject of Schofield he needs an effective, strong and experienced goalkeeping coach , like Bennett for example. He’s very young and needs building up to a point where he commands his area, dominates the box and gives his defenders the confidence to defend. We should persevere with him as first choice if all the necessary keys to a successful future are in place by the club. He will come good.
I find it hard to disagree with your list for retaining although I feel Simon makes a very valid point about Bacuna. If we extend and nobody wants to buy then we are stuck and I don’t think I could cope with the frustration.
Regarding Schofield – I feel sorry for him because he has been used before ideally he is ready. He has weaknesses in his game for sure but so do many young keepers at the start of their careers. Further development and a spell as reserve keeper will allow him to work at his game and ensure he is more ready next time his opportunity comes.
Terrier Spirit has been one of the few highlights this year and has kept me going at times. My one frustration with some of the replies is the personal abuse that the Chairman gets. Some people are never happy unless there is someone to blame or to insult. Towns performances this season have been the result of a combination of factors and that’s why it’s not easy to put the precise finger on any one reason. It is sometimes harder to just accept the disappointments, take it on the chin and redouble efforts next time. Much easier to lash out at people who become easy targets.
Improvements in all areas are required but I doubt very much that anybody working for Town don’t know that and I believe all concerned will do their utmost to work for a better season next.
What I would like to reaffirm is that Town is about more than just results, it’s about a club that is integrated into the community, that respects diversity, undertakes charitable work and would never consider joining a European Super League. That’s why I support Town through thick and thin. If I wanted to win every week with the most expensive players and the most expensive squad then I wouldn’t follow Town. I do sometimes think it would have been great to watch Town in the 1920’s when we were the best team in the world but then I wouldn’t be here now to witness next seasons Renaissance.
I’ve divulged from squad retention but I have found it cathartic to remind myself we are a family club and we have many positives to build upon
I think your list doesn’t require much alteration, I hope your defensive clear out is accurate, many of this season’s woes can be attributed to our defensive incompetence. Substituting Niasse for Campbell would be my preference only because he’s younger than Campbell and, if what I’ve heard to be true, is a similarly hard worker and surely has more goals in him.
Like Simon I succumbed to watching the Reading game – that’s the full set; surely deserves an award of some sort! A couple of things struck me: how pedestrian the midfield was without O’Brien, my favourite Bacuna caught the eye back in his super-sub role with his errors, effort and clever pass for the equalizer. Also how Hogg has the gall to criticize his colleagues on field for poor passes when he’s in a league of his own in such matters surprises me to say the least.
I agree – Hogg had an off day!! But I’m prepared to forgive him. He’s had far more ‘on’ than ‘off’ days this season.
Bacuna – lovely little pass to set up the equaliser and that’s exactly why he is so frustrating. It’s a bit like Schofield in that there’s a tendency to remember a stunning reflex save and forget all the garbage that goes before & after.
I’d agree with most of your “retains”, except Bacuna: I’m not convinced there’s going to be a big bidding war for him, so keeping him would only make sense if the club were happy possibly having him onboard next year too – and few would probably want that.
On the “out” list, I hope you’re wrong though: I wouldn’t send all our experienced central defenders packing. Schindler would need to take a paycut to stay on, so he’s certainly out. Keogh has been a lot better than expected but not impressive enough to keep. I expect he’s kept Stearman out only since Stearman still isn’t 100%: both are strong in the air but slow on the ground. However, Stearman is the faster of the two and also better on the ball. So for me it would be a question of whether Elphick could add something or not, after his long-term injury. Which I don’t believe he can (even though I’d be very happy to be wrong!). So keep Stearman, I’d say – and buy one more central defender to complement him and REG.
A bit similar for the attacking options: keep Niasse or Sanogo or Campbell? Why not two of them? If only one, I’d also keep Campbell who has worked hard all year and been a clear asset, in all aspects except as a goal scorer (which is a bit of a down-side for a striker, to say the least…). But maybe keep Niasse too? Sanogo has looked ok, but hasn’t added much except his height, so can’t see him getting a new contract. Though even if keeping both Niasse and Campbell, 1-2 proven goal scorers need to be brought in. Can we dream of someone like Paul Mullin who can score now, rather than someone who could score 10 years ago like Jordan Rhodes? I guess not, so will have to hope that Rhodes turn his career around (but I’m afraid the odds are stacked against that).
I Dont know if you Have Compared Schofield at his Age and Smithies at The Same Age Schofield will Never Be A Town No1 for me Just Doesant Read The Game Very Nervous and To Be Honest Dont Even Think The Spaniard is up For The Job Tactics Are Very Poor Couldnt Even Get it Right With Good Players and Why Should Town Fans Buy Season Cards When Hodgkinson Wont Even Put His Money in it Will Be The Same Again Next Season only This Time The Town Fans Will Make Potlesses life Hell
Sorry Schofield does not display enough potential to be given a longer run . We need an experienced keeper to bring calmness and stability to the defence. Solve this and finding 2 central defenders becomes less of an issue. Sarr needs to go , he’s only going to get slower and is not particularly good at being well positioned. The style of play will also dictate who to buy – over training older players only leads to more injuries, their fitness peaks can only be upped so much. Someone has to balance “the game plan” with the players available and the money on hand to bring in new ones – if this is all out of sync then it’s going to be more of the same for the foreseeable future !
Agree with your lists, the first priority has to be a new keeper and two central defenders, we have seen these players every week in opposition, so no excuse for Town not doing the same, we should get straight in for Westwood and Bannan from SWFC they wont want to play in the 3rd div. I am not one of the sack em all brigade
we have got to give Corberan a summer close season and then till Christmas at least, and please lets not get Rhodes back after the way he treated the club and fans last time,besides which, he is yesterdays man, most of our poor season originates from the injury to Josh Karoma, etc,etc,etc, and the so called substitutes were never good enough, and we have had the likes of Pritchard like millstones round our necks, costing the club thousands for nothing, let the doom and gloom merchants go on other sites and lets go with the clearout and new legs on the pitch, and give Carlos a proper chance. UTT
Anyone who says the 2 magic words “new keeper” and I’m there in support. Although our centre backs haven’t always covered themselves in glory, if you’ve got a keeper behind you who won’t be prized off his goal line and on the rare occasions he does come for a high ball it’s no better than 50:50 whether he’ll catch/punch successfully, then it’s going to give defenders the gitters.
Christopher Schindler a real Terriers skipper, hope you and your family have a great new life back in Germany and, as we say in Yorkshire, ta-ra Chris and thanks for the memories. UTT.