Lee’s first interview on his return to Huddersfield Town
Lee Peltier has explained that the stability and ambition of the Club were big factors in his decision to return to Huddersfield Town ahead of the 2014/15 Championship season.
The versatile 27 year-old has today signed a three year contract with the Terriers as a free agent after being let go by Leeds United and is looking forward to enjoying and focussing on his football after last season’s uncertainty at Elland Road.
“When you’re not getting paid for two months, players do get unsettled and start to think about things other than football. A lot of things changed at Leeds last season; with takeover talk and speculation about Brian McDermott, it felt like something new every day,” Lee told htafc.com.
“With Dean Hoyle still the Chairman, moving back here felt right. The stability of this Club and how it operates are the main reasons I’ve come back; with Dean in charge it’s always going to be Huddersfield.
“I know this Club well; I had a very good, enjoyable time during my first spell here. I made a lot of good friends that I still keep in touch with now.”
Peltier left Town in 2011 in search of Championship football and has subsequently played over 100 games for the Whites, Leicester City and during last season’s end of season loan at Play-Off chasing Nottingham Forest.
Lee continued: “I firmly believe that had that team gained promotion in 2011, we would have kicked on again in the Championship given the players we had. Players like Anthony Pilkington and Jordan Rhodes have thrived in this division and higher since.
“The Club reached the Championship now and is ambitious to keep moving forward. I’m pleased I can be a part of it. The Manager is adamant that the team will have a real go this season.”
In his three seasons away from ‘The Yorkshire Club’, Lee is impressed with the improvements that the Club has made.
“In the short space of time I’ve been away times have changed – for example PPG Canalside is a long way from Storthes Hall! I couldn’t believe the difference when I came down to have a look around with the Chairman, Ross (Wilson) and the Manager; the facilities here are now second to none.
“It doesn’t surprise me though, as the Chairman had the ambition when I left the Club in 2011; the Club was in the middle of buying the training ground at that stage. There's lots of talk and promises in football but he's always been true to his word and the Club has done a great job.”
Lee also explained that the improvements in the Club have been echoed in his ability on the pitch.
“I’m definitely a better player than the one who left, without a doubt. I’ve got a lot of Championship experience at two big, competitive clubs in Leicester and Leeds and that has only helped me. Hopefully I can add that experience to the team, along with a bit of quality.
“I know the Manager likes to change the shape of the team and that’s something that suits me. I think my versatility is a big reason that the Manager wanted me. Whether I'm at full back or even right side centre back in a three, or elsewhere, I don’t mind where I play – just as long as I’m playing!”
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Lee will meet up with his new teammates when the players return for pre-season training on 3 July – but he is already very familiar with players such as James Vaughan, Danny Ward and Alex Smithies.
“Obviously there will be a few new faces, but I know the Club inside-out and I know a lot of the players; several are good friends of mine. The Town fans were always great to me and having that backing always helps players perform. Being wanted and appreciated is a big attraction.
“I’ve had a good break and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the first week of pre-season. I’ve already had a few Huddersfield fans welcoming me back on Twitter and I appreciate their support.”
