Town took on Sheffield United in two games behind-closed-doors
- Preparations continue for Town ahead of the Sky Bet Championship restart
- Terriers travelled to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United
- Danny Cowley was pleased with the physical and mental returns from the friendly
Huddersfield Town’s First Team squad made its next step in terms of preparation for the resumption of the Sky Bet Championship season.
Ahead of the Club’s first game against Wigan Athletic, on Saturday 20 June 2020, Danny Cowley’s side travelled to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United.
Town’s Manager explained how beneficial it was for his players to play in a competitive game as they build up their match fitness.
“We originally had planned to play an internal game on Saturday, but when we got the EFL guidance that said we could play an opposition then we took that opportunity to play Sheffield United.
“We took two teams – 22 players – and played two 60-minute matches. It really pushed the boys on and was exactly what the group needed at this time.
“We are really pleased with the physical returns from the games. People like Jonathan Hogg ran 9km in 60 minutes.
“We got some outstanding numbers and they were really competitive matches, which you anticipate when you face a team like Sheffield United.
“It was good for us in a number of ways really. You look at that Sheffield United team and what Chris Wilder has done there, the group has been together a long time, they’ve got a lot of continuity, a lot of the players have come from League 1 and are now playing at the top end of the Premier League; it shows you what is possible and they are a real inspiration. I think it was good for our players to witness that and see that first-hand.”
After being back in training since Monday 25 May 2020, Town’s Manager explained that his players are right on track in terms of physical fitness.
“We’ve had 14 sessions already to this point, but a lot of those have been unopposed, non-contact and in smaller groups.
“Certainly, last week was really good to be back in full contact to get the group back together. Really it was good to just piece it all together, as when we were in small groups we worked on specific areas of the pitch, it was nice to align everyone’s work and bring everyone back on the same page.
“It was a really beneficial week and I thought we took a lot from the two games against Sheffield United in terms of the physical returns and the learning as well.”
The match against the Blades also allowed the players to get used to playing in an empty stadium.
“We are going to have to get used to playing with no crowd,” said Town’s Manager.
“The whole day was different. The boys turning up in their kit to play a Premier League team. We had a team meeting and team talk in an outdoor space and played in a game that was refereed by members of coaching staff.
“It was different, but this is the new normal and certainly playing with no supporters is a different feel for sure.”
