Huddersfield Town

The defender, who was speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash against Bournemouth, said: “We were a little naïve in certain situations,” he said about last season. “We drew too many games at home which was all down to our know-how and our ability to kill off games when we were in winning positions. 

“We have craft and guile this season, though, thanks to the likes of Jonathan Hogg who experienced a fantastic season last year with Watford.”

The craft and guile that Gerrard speaks of was evident against Millwall last weekend.  

“A lot of teams will visit the Den and struggle because of the hostile environment,” he said. “We tried to play football in the right way, though, and deserved to get the result. We showed character and mental toughness during the closing stages to see the game out when they were piling the pressure on. 

“We have made a steady start to the season,” the 27 year-old continued. “It was disappointing to drop points at Nottingham Forest, but we are in a pretty decent position.

“Both Forest and QPR will be near the top of the league so I suppose our season probably started at Millwall last weekend. We are capable of playing better than we did against Millwall, which is a positive.”

Gerrard, who didn’t play a game during pre-season because of an injury, is enjoying playing in a back three.

“Other teams have to adapt their play to combat us,” he said. “We have a little head start because of our versatility. We are playing at a higher tempo and dominating the ball, which is giving us more control of the game.” 

Alex Smithies is vital to Town’s new style of football and the former Cardiff man paid tribute to him: “He is a top ‘keeper, one of the best in the league. His distribution of the ball is very good as is his communication and shot stopping ability. Our moves now start with him and he has the confidence to keep the ball on the floor. He is integral to the way that we play.”