Oran Thompson explains how Town’s bespoke games programme is helping his development
- Oran Thompson speaks about career with Town so far
- The defender discusses upcoming game against Middlesbrough
- Oran: “It’s better than playing against teams our age - we get more out of it!”
18-year-old Oran Thompson signed with Huddersfield Town eight years ago in 2011, and looking back it’s almost a lifetime ago for him!
“I was about 10 years old when I signed for the Terriers back in 2011. So I don’t really remember a lot, it was eight years ago now! I remember training and playing every week.”
During the time the defender has been at the Club, a lot has changed! From the new academy set up to the coaching staff, even the Training Ground!
“Obviously the facilities have changed loads. You notice more football changes when you’re older, not so much when you’re younger.
“Like we said it was over eight years ago when I started at the Club, but the recent changes - obviously with Dean Whitehead coming in - we’re starting to see little changes in the way we’re playing.”
Dean Whitehead took charge of the Under-19s following Mark Hudson’s move into the First Team set-up.
Oran explained what it’s like to play under the former Town midfielder.
“I love playing under Dean. He doesn’t put pressure on you. He just says, ‘go and express yourself and enjoy it.’
“As long as you work hard, he’ll be happy with you.”
Oran has responded from a number of injuries and continued to work his way back into the Under-19s line-up.
After working with the Club’s Medical Team, he now feels ready to continue his development.
“I’ve been out since May 2018. I had an operation on my shoulder,” explained Oran.
“It was frustrating, and it meant I had to take a long time off which wasn’t easy - just watching and not playing. But now I’m back and I feel strong! I think I’ve been playing well recently.”
Town’s Under-19s come into this Monday’s match after a 1-0 defeat to Brentford B. Oran went into detail about what the youngsters can take from that game.
“I think defensively we were good. The goal was sloppy, but sometimes goals like that happen.
“Despite the result, personally, I am feeling stronger every week and more confident.”
Town’s Under-19s face Middlesbrough at Rockliffe Park on Monday 25 February 2019, with the game kicking off at 1pm.
Oran detailed what he expects to face on Monday.
“I think they’ll be tough team to face Middlesbrough Under-23s.
“We’ve been playing against older teams for quite a while now. We have quite a young squad, so it’s about how we deal with the strength the opposition bring.
“It’s just about dealing with a different challenge that other players our age don’t often get the chance to do.
“In my opinion, it’s better than playing against teams our age as we get more out of it. Obviously, we won’t be physically as strong but technically it helps our game a lot.
“It makes us think about what positions we need to be in. It’s a challenge but me and the lads enjoy it!”
You can follow live match updates from the game on Twitter via @htafcAcademy.
