Youngster speaks ahead of Saturday’s game against Lincoln City
- Defender Neo Eccleston speaks to htafc.com
- Young Terrier enjoying development with Town’s Academy
- Town’s U17s face Lincoln City on Saturday (1 May 2021)
Huddersfield Town Under-17 defender Neo Eccleston is pleased with the improvements he’s seen in his first season with the Young Terriers.
Eccleston linked up with George Danaher’s Under-17s ahead of the current season on a two-year scholarship and admitted that the current campaign has had its ups and downs.
“I’ve found my first season here fine.
“I’ve had a couple of ups and downs, but so far I think I’ve been doing well.
“The first few months were a bit weird, but since I’ve come back from injury, I think I’ve got on well and it’s been really good.”
The 17-year-old was quick to discuss how he’s improved in his time at the Club so far.
“My biggest improvement has been my physique.
“When I got injured, I was out for a long time and it was just constant gym work and eating and I’ve got a lot stronger.
“When I came back onto the pitch, I could see all my improvements. It was easier for me to hold off people and I was doing it better than before.
“I’ve also had the chance to play with the Under-19s since being back.
“Obviously they’re more physical players because they’re older and I have to change my mindset for those games because they’re harder players to hold off.
“I also have to up my game, so sharper passes, doing one-twos, doing first time passes and just trying to beat them smartly.
“Playing with them has helped me a lot. When I come back into Under-17s games I can pass the ball quicker, I can hold off players better and I think it’s just helped me improve as an overall player.
“Everything’s just clicking more easily now.”
The defender most recently scored in the Under-17s’ Clarets Cup Quarter-Final against Preston North End.
“It felt good! Both scoring and securing the win for our team.
“We scored the first goal and obviously you still get pressure, so scoring the second goal helped make the game a little more relaxed because we knew we were ahead of them that little bit more.
“It was a relief when it went in because I’d had a couple of chances before then!
“My first chance, I shot, and it went over, and my second chance I hit the ball with my left foot and it just didn’t really go near the goal.
“The one that went in felt good.”
The youngster also took the time to discuss what he’d like to achieve moving forward next season.
“I want to pick up from where I left off and try to be involved with more Under-19 games because I think that’ll help me improve as a player.”
Neo and his Under-17 teammates are back in action on Saturday 1 May 2021, when they travel to face Lincoln City.
You can keep up to date with all things Huddersfield Town Academy on their official Twitter page; @htafcacademy.
