Huddersfield Town

“He gives us good versatility; he’s a player that’s got a good pedigree,” Chris told the press at today’s pre-match conference. 

“He’s played in the Premier League and in the Championship for Newcastle, Burnley, Birmingham and now for us. I had my eye on him for a while. He trained really well today and I have no doubts he will be a good addition for us.

“Primarily he’s played centre back and as a holding midfielder. I’ve got him earmarked for those two positions knowing that he can help us out in other positions. He boosts the centre half area but he’s also someone who’s done the role at Burnley in that defensive midfield area really well. That would work for us away from home and late in games as well. 

“I’m really happy to have him. He’s been in England for a number of years and he knows how it works. I’m really impressed by him and what he’s had to say. It’s down to him now to show his ability, not only to myself and my staff but to the Huddersfield Town fans too.”

With the January transfer window in full swing, the Terriers have been linked with a string of strikers – something that has left Powell surprised.

“We’ve been linked with loads of players. I haven’t known a place like it; we’re constantly linked with players! It just makes us look like we’re in for everyone and it’s not like that. I think people are just bringing up names and linking them to us because they know that we want to strengthen the striking area.” 

Powell also gave an update on the injuries at the Club heading into this weekend’s game at Wigan Athletic:

“James (Vaughan) is seeing a specialist this week. We’re hoping the news will be positive and we’ll go from there. It would be unfair for me to say he will back on a certain date; it’ll be more what the specialist says, as he is the top one in the area regarding facial injuries. I’m hopeful the news will be good for James and for us, but his immediate welfare is my concern.  

“I’m unsure if Jon (Hogg) will be available for Saturday. It’s just a tweak in the thigh area. We don’t know how long he will be out for, but hopefully not too long. 

“Harry Bunn and Murray Wallace are now training, so they will be available for Saturday and for selection. Apart from James Vaughan and Jon Hogg we’re ok.

Town travel to Wigan Athletic on Saturday, who are currently in the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone.

Chris explained: “They’ve had a bit of a hangover from last season. I’m sure this season they were looking to pick up where they carried off. Sadly Uwe (Rosler) left, Malky’s come in and it’s been a tall order for them to get themselves going. 

“I know Malky; I know he would be doing his best to get them going and it’s been difficult. 

“They do have match winners and players that are capable at this level and even higher. They’ve been picking up points here and there. They’ve only beaten Leeds since Malky has been there, so they will be fighting. It’s a game that both sides want to take something from.”

After a promising performance against Middlesbrough last weekend, Powell believes Town’s fortunes away from home can change soon:

“We’ve been close in a lot of away games - even Norwich up until the sending off. We should’ve beaten Rotherham, we know that. 

“The performance at Middlesbrough last week was almost where we want to be in away games; games where we give ourselves a fighting chance. We dampened their spirits, but on the hour Tomlin finished it very well and we turned on the gas. Their ‘keeper had to save them a couple of times and then right at the end you’re chasing it. The performance, in the main, was right away from home and we’ll be looking to build on that against Wigan.”