Bunn happy with victory – but not with performance on the ball
Club News
FRANKIE ON U21 WIN AT BOLTON & BILLING
16 February 2016
- Frankie Bunn discusses Under-21 win at Bolton Wanderers
- HTAFC coach sees further room for improvement
- Bunn comments on Philip Billing's emergence
Huddersfield Town’s Senior Professional Development Coach Frankie Bunn saw room for improvement in the Under-21s' winning performance against Bolton Wanderers on Monday night.
Striker Flo Bojaj’s goal gave the young Terriers a 1-0 win at the Lancashire FA’s ground, but Bunn admitted the game was not an easy one for his side.
“It was another tough game. Bolton caused us some different problems with their shape; they played three at the back, split the strikers and had a number 10.
“We got to grips with it. The players have to learn to solve problems in games; if you can do that, you have a chance of making it.
“To be fair, we were defensively OK; we restricted them to a couple of real chances and the two goals they had ruled out for offside were offside. Other than that, we didn’t have that many problems.”
However, Frankie could see lots of room for improvement in Town’s performance in possession.
“As delighted as I am with the win, I thought we were a bit sloppy with the ball at times. There needs to be work done again on receiving and moving the ball.
“We’re greedy here. Obviously winning games is part and parcel of football, but we do like a good performance.”
One positive from the game was the performance of 19 year-old goalscorer Bojaj, as Frank explained:
“Flo would tell you that he’s been disappointed with the last couple of games, but last night he looked more like the old Flo Bojaj. He received the ball well, got us up the field and got his goal.”
First year professional goalkeeper Tadhg Ryan also performed well in goal, with regular custodian Lloyd Allinson ruled out with a hand injury once again.
Bunn commented: “He was terrific. I’ve said they didn’t cause us many problems, but he did have to pull off one good save and did it well. He’s had a good couple of weeks.”
Jordy Hiwula got another 90 minutes under his belt following his recent return from a loan at Wigan Athletic.
Frankie explained: “I think he needs games at the moment, as I’m sure he would tell you too. He had three really good chances last night and you’d usually expect him to score at least one. It is a matter of Jordy getting back into the swing of things and getting game time under his belt.”
Last night’s win extended Town’s lead at the top of the Professional Development League 2 North to four points, with two games in hand over second placed Sheffield United. Bunn is now keen to see his young side complete the job and top the table at the end of the campaign.
“Topping the table would cap off a terrific season. It’s been well publicised that we’re reached the semi-final of the Premier League Cup, but it is important that we maintain our form and belief. The players have got themselves into a really good position and it would be a disappointment if we don’t see it through.”
The young Terriers also have a Premier League Cup semi-final to look forward to, with one of Liverpool, West Ham United and either Millwall or Hull City to face.
“Everybody is looking forward to it. We’re in the last four of a major competition, which is something this Club probably wouldn’t have dreamt of four years ago.
“There’s been a lot of hard work here since we all came together and the players have worked with all the members of staff, who need a special thank you as well. It’s been a real team effort from the squad of players and the team behind them.”
Bunn’s final comments were reserved for Philip Billing, with the Development Squad regular now impressing for David Wagner’s First Team.
“Philip is the flag bearer for us at the minute.
“He’s had his ups and downs during his four years here and we’ve put a lot of work into him, both on the football pitch and in the gym. He’s finally settling down to what we thought he would be, but there’s still a lot more to come. He has great potential.
“As soon as he walks out on the football pitch, Philip stands out; he’s 6’ 5”, left footed, he passes it well and gets a goal. Potentially he could be a very good player.
“For me, you’re not in the First Team until you’ve made 20 or 30 appearances; you can’t just do it once or twice. You need to gain the experience over a number of games – and you need to be good enough to stay there.
“Over the last couple of games, Philip has acquitted himself really well.”
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