Huddersfield Town

The versatile Liverpudlian has played in this fixture for both teams in the past and will be making his first return since moving to Town from Leeds in the summer.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a big game, as all of them are. I’ve been on both sides of this fixture, so I know it is important to each team,” ‘Pelts’ told htafc.com.

“It’s going to be a big atmosphere on Saturday, but that doesn’t faze me. I’ve been around long enough now and have played in some big games. I like playing in these games. 

“Obviously there is a different Owner and Manager at Leeds since I left and they’ve brought new players in. I still speak to Stevie (Warnock) and Jason (Pearce), whereas other lads like Paddy (Kenny) aren’t there anymore.

“I have an awkward relationship with Leeds fans, but that doesn’t bother me. We have a bit of banter and I’m expecting a bit of stick on Saturday, but that happens in football and doesn’t bother me whatsoever. I respect all the fans there and I respect the Club. I’m really looking forward to the game. 

“I have no regrets whatsoever about leaving. I enjoyed my time there, but I felt it was time for me to move on and start something new. I’m happy that I re-joined Huddersfield Town.”

Lee’s summer transfer to Town saw him reunited with the Club he left three years ago – but he explained that things have really progressed in his absence. 

“This Club has changed a lot; people probably won’t believe how much. I was here when Huddersfield Town was earning its reputation for developing players and now the facilities have improved massively. This is a really good Club.”

Despite that progression off the field, the 27 year-old has not been satisfied with the team’s start to the season on it. However, he believes things will improve:

“It’s not been a good start at all, but we’re getting there. I’m not too worried because teams haven’t been battering us – we’ve just been a bit unfortunate, apart from the opening day. 

“I know things will change. We’ve made a few additions to the squad that have really helped us. We are a relatively new squad with a new Manager, so it’s just a case of everyone bedding in together. We’ll be alright.”

Lee spoke very highly of the impact that new Manager Chris Powell has already had on the Town squad:

“He’s been great; he’s a top man. He’s come in and brought all the lads together. He has a great reputation in football, which I knew before he joined here, and you can see why since he’s come in. I’m really looking forward to working with him throughout the season. 

“I can’t think of a better place to get our first win under Chris than Elland Road. We’re getting there under him – everyone can see we are more solid – but it’s just about getting the right balance now.

“We kept a clean sheet on Tuesday night against a Wigan team that has just spent over £3 million on a single striker. We kept him quiet. Mark Hudson has come in and done a massive job stabilising us at the back. Even against Middlesbrough it took an unbelievable free-kick and a penalty to beat us; I thought we were unlucky not to get anything, but a silly mistake cost us. 

“I’m really confident in these lads moving forward. We’ve got good players.”

Powell has deployed Peltier in a central midfield position in his opening two games in charge, whereas Town fans are more accustomed to seeing Lee at right back. Ask Lee what his favoured position is and he freely admits it depends on the timing!

“So many people ask me this and it’s hard to answer. Throughout my career, starting at Liverpool and at every Club I’ve played for, I’ve played in different positions, so I’m used to it.

“I might prefer one position, but it depends on how things are going at the time. If I’m playing well at right back I think that is my best position, but then I go into midfield or centre back and enjoy it there. It’s hard for me to say – I just like playing!”