Caretaker Manager delighted to be leading the team
Huddersfield Town’s Caretaker Manager Mark Lillis told htafc.com that leading the team out at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday will rank amongst his proudest moments.
Town’s Academy Manager has taken charge of three matches so far, all coming on the road.
He is looking to build on the impressive victory at Reading on Tuesday night when his side face Charlton Athletic and is expecting the John Smith’s Stadium to be bouncing on Saturday.
“I have experienced a lot of proud moments as a player and as a coach during my time at the Club and walking out on Saturday will be another to add to that list,” Lillis said. “I want the fans to come down and get behind the team because we have an exciting group of young footballers. They will wear the shirt with pride. I want the fans to be positive and keep the faith; I am looking forward to the game.
“It won’t be an easy task though – Charlton are a very good side and have won their last three games. We need to put on a performance for the fans, especially as our last showing at home wasn’t acceptable.”
It is unsure when Lillis’ final match in temporary charge of the Terriers will be, as the Club’s search for a new manager continues.
“I don’t mind if there are 25 managers sat in the Director’s Box during Saturday’s game, my only focus is on the match itself,” said Lillis. “I can’t control who is selected as the Club’s next manager, all I can do is try and win every game of football that I am in charge of. When the Club appoint a new manager I will give him all the support possible to help make his transition a smooth one.
“The Reading victory bought the Club a little bit of time because we want to make sure that we make the right appointment. The Club has to be sure that they are hiring the right man.”
The match winner at the Madejski on Tuesday night, Harry Bunn, could continue in an attacking role and Mark was delighted to be able to give him an opportunity in the First Team.
“He is mentally very strong as well as being a very versatile attacker; he can play from either wing or through the middle. He isn’t the tallest but he is a very strong boy with a low centre of gravity. When Danny Ward dropped out with a back spasm we had no hesitancy in putting Harry in. It is like anything in life, how do you get experience in your profession? We need to trust young players and give them an opportunity.
“We picked up a couple of knocks at Reading, but we have had time to recover and will do a final head count later today,” he added. “A couple of the injured lads have been back on the grass during the week so we will assess their availability for the match. The lads that played on Tuesday night were a huge credit to the Club; we needed a result and they produced.”
Finally, Mark wished Oliver Norwood the best of luck after the midfielder completed his move to Reading yesterday.
“It is an excellent move for both parties,” Mark said. “Ollie was in the last year of his contract at the Club and he believed it was a good move for his career. He has really enjoyed his time at Huddersfield Town, but he felt the time was right to move and the deal was good for the Club.
“We wish him all the best because he has been excellent during his time with us.
“However, we believe we have got a number of good, young midfielder players coming through, whilst the likes of Jacob Butterfield and Conor Coady have been fantastic since coming into the side. We are improving in the midfield area.”
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