Captain ready to step up to the plate
Peter Clarke told htafc.com that his experience could be crucial to help his team-mates through the next few days.
The 31 year-old realises the importance of passing on his experience that he has from over the years to some of the youngsters of the squad.
“If you’ve been involved in the game for as long as I have, then you’re probably not surprised by any decision,” Clarke said.
“You learn to take it in your stride rather than the younger players that are perhaps in the situation for the first time.
“It’s never easy, but if I can help the younger lads and be a link between Mark (Lillis) and Steve (Eyre) with the dressing room, then I’m only too willing to do that for the benefit of Huddersfield Town Football Club,” he added.
Mark Lillis and Steve Eyre have taken temporary charge of the Club and Clarke realises the importance of his own role for the foreseeable future.
“We all came in early this morning to be made aware fully of the situation,” Clarke said.
“Mark and Steve have run a good session and we believe we’re prepared to put a good performance in tomorrow that can see us progress to the next round of the FA Cup.
“I believe we have the ability to be able to turn this situation into a positive and kick on.”
Town are currently seven points above the relegation zone in the npower Championship and Clarke sees Saturday’s game as a way of kick starting their league form.
“The lads should be giving their best in any situation - be that in the dressing room, on the pitch, or representing Huddersfield Town in any way, shape or form,” Clarke said.
“Tomorrow is an opportunity to get into the swing of things quickly.”
Town has gone 12 league games without a victory and Clarke understands the difficulty behind Dean Hoyle’s decision.
“For some reason, things haven’t been going as well as they should be recently, but it’s our job to turn that around and make sure we’re still in this division next season,” Clarke said.
“We had obviously not won for a period of games and with football being a results-driven business, ultimately when you’re not winning games you start to look over your shoulder.
“A time arrives when a decision needs to be made. The Chairman has made the decision and he has done that for the benefit of Huddersfield Town Football Club.
“Managers coming and going is part and parcel of the game, but as players any individual should give everything they’ve got on any given day,” Clarke added.
Town are back in league action against Crystal Palace at the Stadium on Wednesday 30 January and Clarke believes the players will be ready.
“Whether it will be with Mark and Steve again or anyone else, the lads will be well-prepared and I’m sure will be applying themselves in the best way possible.
“We are all aware that Mark is in charge of the situation from now until any further developments and we will just take things from there.”
Match tickets are available on the day priced at £10 adults and £5 concessions!
