Comments from the Senior Professional Development Coach
- Frankie Bunn reviews win over Hull
- SPD Coach comments on 13 game winning streak
- Bunn talks about 'feel good factor' at HTAFC
Town’s Senior Professional Development Coach Frankie Bunn had nothing but praise for his Under-21 side after it recorded a 13th straight win on Monday afternoon.
The young Terriers defeated visitors Hull City 3-2 at PPG Canalside in a competitive encounter and afterwards, Frankie praised his players:
“Hull is a very aggressive, strong, ‘in your face’ side and put us under pressure. I was disappointed with the goals we conceded, but I thought we created more chances – especially in the first half. We hit the bar and had another saved on the line. The result against a tough side was terrific.”
Bunn’s side had a strong look to it, with Philip Billing returning from injury and Duane Holmes and Flo Bojaj available after recent First Team action.
Frankie continued: “We were strong in terms of experience now they have gained that, but relatively we are still a young team. People cannot forget that. There were no overage players except for the ‘keeper today.
“The ultimate aim is to get players into the First Team and we’ve had three or four in and around it. I think they needed the game today and that showed towards the end when Philip (Billing) and Flo were tiring a touch, because they haven’t played for a while.
“Philip hasn’t played for around seven weeks after the injury in the First Team game against Leeds so he is playing catch-up, so it will have done him the world of good to get 90 minutes under his belt. You could see today that he fatigued a little bit.
“They are between both camps at the minute and that’s a challenge mentally as much as physically, but they always produce when they come and play.”
The victory extended the Under-21 side’s superb winning streak to 13 games in all competitions, which started back on 7 September.
“We’ve never had a settled side; there have always been changes. Jacob Hanson missed his first game today, so Jack Senior is our only ever-present. The others have missed games here and there, but the others have stepped in and done the job.
“The spirit amongst the Development Squad, and the will to go out to perform and win football matches, is immense. They needed a bit of that today as we were under the cosh for a little spell towards the end of the game.”
Kyle Dempsey also got match practise in Monday’s game, which Frankie explained was down to his relationship with Town’s First Team Head Coach David Wagner and Assistant Christoph Buehler.
“I had a conversation with Christoph on Sunday afternoon about playing (Kyle) Dempsey at full back and I thought he coped admirably; his attitude towards it was fantastic.
“There are always conversations going on between the First Team and Academy setups, which is good.”
Frankie believes his side’s winning streak, combined with the First Team’s performances and results, are creating a feel-good factor at Huddersfield Town.
“There is a lot of confidence around the place, which is great. The supporters and players are enjoying the football and that filters down to us. We’re trying to emulate that.
“We’re halfway through the season and I think our performances have been really good.”
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