New boy Anthony has a hunger for success
Anthony Gerrard has arrived at Huddersfield Town with a drive and hunger to succeed following a frustrating 2011/12 season.
The 26 year-old centre back has played 120 games in the English game’s second tier, but he only played 25 times last season – a big catalyst behind his move to Town.
The Liverpudlian joins the Terriers from fellow Championship side Cardiff City – Town’s first League opponents on 17 August – and after a stop-start season he arrives at his new club with a hunger to succeed.
“You always have a point to prove when you leave a Club, particularly in the circumstances that I have left Cardiff. I don’t think I was given a fair opportunity or crack of the whip there. I went to Hull and did exceptionally well, so I was looking forward to returning to Cardiff and getting a clean start – but for some reason that didn’t happen.
“I didn’t play for some reason, so this is a chance for me to get back to playing football and to prove to people that I’m a top player. I’m a Huddersfield Town player now and that’s all behind me.
“I’m fully focussed on the start of the new season. It’s funny that our first League game is against Cardiff, because it was my first game when I moved to Hull on loan too – it seems to be a reoccurring theme.”
Anthony explained that his move to West Yorkshire fits his own remit perfectly:
“Last season was bad for me in that I didn’t play as many games as I wanted to. Playing football is my job – that is what I want to do!
“I heard Huddersfield was interested and I knew it was a great opportunity for me to move back to the North West; to get close to my family and get that side of my life back together.
“It is also a chance for me to play in a fantastic stadium and be part of a team that’s going places.
“The way that Huddersfield Town play football appeals to me. I spoke to the manager and he sold the Club to me. I know it’s a great stadium and club from playing here for Walsall a few years back – I also remember that the pitch is absolutely massive, which bodes well to play football on. Competition for places will be tough, but I’m really looking forward to it and I’ll be giving my all.”
Gerrard also explained that staying at Championship level was a prerequisite of his move away from Wales.
“Once you play at a certain standard you don’t want to fall below that. Moving to Huddersfield still gives me that platform to play on.
“A number of teams enquired about me, but I thought it was best for my family and to come here, where I will enjoy my football.”
Gerrard has previously faced Town on several occasions as a Walsall player, but he described his game for Town fans that may be unfamiliar with him.
“I’m fully committed – you’ll get 110% no matter what. I won’t shirk a challenge, I’m a leader on the pitch and hopefully I think I can play a bit as well! I am an out and out defender, but I also like to get on the ball and I think Huddersfield can bring the best out of me.”
The new boy doesn’t have long to wait until the new season gets underway and will be at the Stadium as the Terriers take on FC Barcelona B in tonight’s pre-season friendly, 7.45pm kick-off.
“That’s one of the main things about being a footballer – getting to know all the players at your Club. I know Clarkey (Peter) from when I first started at Everton; he is about four or five years older than me and its strange how things have come full circle and I’ll be playing with him again.
“Having good spirit and banter is part of what makes a team successful and hopefully we can surprise a few people with how we get on this season.”
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