htafc.com caught up with manager Andy Ritchie today after he secured the signing of centre-back Robert Page from Coventry City.

Ahead of the weekend game at Brighton, Ritchie stated that he was looking for a defender to bolster his squad and he was delighted to have secured one with international experience.

"Anybody that knows Robert or has seen him play knows that he will give you 100% whenever he plays. He will also give us a voice on the pitch, pulling his team-mates around," Ritchie told the official website.

"He's a very experienced player who has been Captain of Wales and he will give us a great sense of leadership on the pitch.

"Frank Sinclair excluded, we have a very young back line and I think that it's important to have a couple of older heads in there. Rob knows the game, he will constantly talk to people and he won't let his team-mates get away with things."

Page follows Steve Yates and Martin McIntosh in a line of experienced centre-backs that have complimented the backline of Academy graduates in recent years. Despite having made only a couple of first-team appearances for the Sky Blues this term, Andy seemed confident that he could play a part at Oldham on Saturday.

"Rob has only played in two League Cup games this season, but he has featured in all of Coventry's Reserve games. We've had him watched and we know that he's up to speed; he's been impressive in all the Reserve games that we've had watched. I've phoned around and I've got a glowing report from Mick McCarthy (Wolves Manager), who watched him the day before we made the enquiry - he said he was easily the best man on the pitch.

"I know Reserve team football can be a little bit lower in standard that what he will be coming into here, but I think that his experience and 'know-how' will prove invaluable. We will have to see how he goes in training this week before making a decision about this weekend, but I know he will be available and in the squad.

"I talked about how improved the defence was at Brighton this weekend, but I don't think it would have taken much after the Gillingham game. We're now just aiming to stay like that and I think that Robert will give us more consistency because of his leadership qualities."

To sponsor Robert Page for the rest of the 2007/08 season, call the Huddersfield Town Commercial Department on 01484 484140.