Defender looks ahead to Saturday’s Bramall Lane showpiece
- Jack Senior previews Saturday's PDL2 Final- Left back wants to finish good season with a bang
- Defender speaks about his new contract
Town defender Jack Senior wants to finish a fantastic season with a flourish when the young Terriers take on Sheffield United in the PDL2 Play-Off Final this Saturday.
Having won the Northern Division by eight points before vanquishing Millwall in the semi-finals, Frankie Bunn’s squad travels to Bramall Lane on Saturday to try and win the overall title.
The 19 year-old left back has been the heartbeat of the team, playing every single second of the Development Squad’s 36 competitive games this season and scoring twice.
“I think winning the league was a reward for how hard we have worked throughout the season. We’ve done lots in training and good preparation on every team we have played – and most of the time we’ve won!” Jack told htafc.com.
“The consistency in the results is because of that hard work. We’ve got a good routine during the week and we put what we practise in training out on the pitch every match day.
“Nobody takes their foot off the gas under Frankie!” he laughed. “We secured the northern title with a few games to spare, but we didn’t let up. The mentality is to play and finish every game as strongly as possible.
“Everyone has kept the work up and now we’ve reached the final in the Play-Offs. That didn’t come easily as Millwall was a good team to face in the semi-final. It’s a good achievement for the Club, staff and players.”
Despite a brilliant season, Senior and his teammates have had setbacks; the most notable being a cruel Premier League Cup semi-final defeat to Hull City on a sudden-death penalty shootout.
Jack admitted: “That was a disappointing night, because we’ve played really well throughout the season and on that night it didn’t happen for us. We had to quickly bounce back – and we have done.”
One of the highlights from that evening was the backing the team received, with 927 fans – including a sizeable content from the North Stand Loyal – supporting them to the hilt.
“I’ve heard that some fans are coming across (on Saturday), particularly from the NSL. They were really good against Hull and I think it would be great for us, as it would put an extra spring in our step,” Jack continued.
“Even though the Hull game didn’t go to plan, we were still really grateful for that support. It’d be great for everyone if it happened again this weekend.”
This weekend’s host Sheffield United finished runners-up in Town’s northern division and beat southern champs Charlton to reach Saturday.
“They are a hard-working team and we’ve had two good battles already; one at home and one at Bramall Lane. I think we owe them one after losing the last game,” Jack added.
Senior has already had the option on his contract taken up by the Club for the 2016/17 season; something the Academy graduate is delighted with.
“You can always do better, but I feel like I’ve shown a bit of consistency throughout the season.
“I was delighted when the Club told me I’d get a new contract; that’s what I’ve been working towards throughout the season. I’m glad I’ve achieved that goal.
“It’s a new season soon and I want to better the levels I’ve set this year. It’s all about reaching the next level. I want to play, do well and get another contract.”
Jack has already trained with David Wagner’s First Team on several occasions too; something he feels the work with the Under-21s has prepared him well for.
“Stepping into the First Team training is hard, but it’s not a big change in style because of the work Frankie does with us. The Head Coach implemented his style of play from the moment he came in and that has been working for the 21s too, as you can see through the results.
“I haven’t felt out of place physically or fitness-wise, but the big challenge is mentally and being quick enough to manage the step up.
“I try to be the best I can be and make an impression.”
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