Smithies pleased with point on his debut as Captain
On his 161st appearance for the Club, Alex Smithies was a proud man as he led Huddersfield Town for the first time during the goalless draw with League leaders Cardiff City.
“It was massive for me; I’m really, really proud,” the ‘keeper told htafc.com. ‘Lills’ (Mark Lillis) pulled me to one side on Thursday and told me that I would be Captain. He said he’d give me overnight to think about it, but I told him it wasn’t necessary!
“Today has been a proud one for me and my family. Unfortunately we’ve had some bad news in the family lately as some members haven’t been very well, so for something like to this to come along at this time is massive for all of us.”
Huddersfield-born Smithies made several saves and was given the ‘Man of the Match’ award by sponsors Specialist Glass Products – something he explained means a lot as a local boy.
“As Captain you set the standard, so you have to be at it every minute of every game. I’ve tried to do that today, but I think every player did today. It’s a cliché, but that happened.”
“Just like the fans, Huddersfield Town is the Club that I support! I wanted to do everything I possibly could today and I’m really pleased to keep a clean sheet. Hopefully that point will be massive come the end of the year when we’re looking at the table.”
Alex felt that a home draw against the runaway leaders of the npower Championship was a real positive.
“We’ve been playing the side that is top of the league by ten points, so a draw is massive. We started the game looking to win, as we always do, but the later the game went on and the more pressure we came under you sometimes have to settle for it. This is one of those days where it’s considered a good point.
“Defensively we were superb all over the pitch. James Vaughan has made some of the best defensive headers I’ve ever seen today – unbelievable. He’s put his body on the line by diving over players to head it and then landing on his head himself; that showed the willingness to keep the ball out of the net.
“That happened all over the pitch. ‘Lynchy’ and ‘Gez’ have put their bodies on the line all day and we’ve all done everything we could today. Hopefully that point will mean something come the end of the year.”
The 22 year-old also praised the influence of Caretaker bosses Mark Lillis and Steve Eyre since they took over the First Team a couple of weeks ago:
“It means a lot to the players. The staff at the moment is getting the players going and that determination is showing on the pitch. The Derby game was a massive blip, but generally we’ve looked like it means something to us and that’s massive.”
The games don’t get any easier for the Terriers, with a televised FA Cup replay at Leicester City to prepare for on Tuesday night.
“Every game is difficult in this League and when you’re drawn against Leicester in the Cup, you have to get on with it. It’s a quick turnaround, but we’ll prepare right and try to be in the hat for the next round,” Alex continued.
“We have bitter memories of getting turned over there, so it would be nice to go and perform well. We did at home in the first game. It’s Cup football, so it’s all or nothing on Tuesday night and we will go there looking to win. We want to take the momentum from today into that game, because the feel-good factor is massive.
“I’d be delighted to be Captain again; I’d want to be every game if I could. I’m a Huddersfield Town fan and I want to do as much for the Club as I can, so this is another step up for me. Obviously Peter is the Club Captain though.”
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