Mark delighted with Championship survival
Mark Robins described today’s match against Barnsley as the hardest 95 minutes of his managerial career as the Terriers secured Championship survival on the final day.
Town had to come from behind twice to earn the necessary point to guarantee survival with strike pairing Jermaine Beckford and James Vaughan netting the goals.
“That was the hardest 95 minutes I have had to go through,” began Mark.
“We knew it was going to be tough and we knew that Chris O’Grady would play a key part, but we couldn’t cope with it.
“We made the changes at half-time and they made an impact. Danny Ward gave us more tempo; Lee Novak had a hand in the second goal and Keith Southern gave us some bite in midfield. They helped bring to life Jermaine Beckford and James Vaughan.
“The goals were outstanding, but I didn’t care how they went it today.”
Peterborough and Wolves joined Bristol City as the three relegated teams.
“It is harsh to see Peterborough go down because the teams at the bottom have put up an unbelievable fight,” said Mark. “Hopefully next season we will pick up a few more points and it won’t go down to the wire because that was, without doubt, the hardest 90 minutes of my life. The last 15 games have been the toughest that I have managed.
“We didn’t have long to work with the players and we have played an unbelievable amount of games during that time. It was tough to get our thoughts and beliefs across to the players and vice-a-versa; it is a two way street. I can start putting my plans into place and getting the team to look how I want it to. However, we have to credit the players who have been involved today.”
One of the highest ever attendances packed the Stadium today and roared Town onto survival.
“The supporters were magnificent, the Stadium was unbelievable. You wouldn’t have known that during parts of the game we were in the bottom three. It was a Play-Off game, as were a number of games up and down the country, what an end to the season.”
Top scorer James Vaughan deservedly grabbed the goal that guaranteed survival after Beckford had earlier chipped Town level.
“We will move heaven and earth to try and him a Huddersfield Town player,” said Mark. “There will be plenty of competition for him, but he is going on holiday on Monday so we will have to wait for him to return. I am sure Dean (Hoyle), Nigel (Clibbens) and Ross Wilson will do everything to try and make it happen. Ultimately it will come down to James, but I know he has enjoyed himself. We will make him a better player. If we can tie something up then fantastic, but that is something that will happen down the line.”
