Around eight years ago, Arsenal embarked on a run of league games which saw them go 49 unbeaten in the Premier League, a sensational streak of results which saw Arsene Wenger’s men christened ‘the Invincibles’. A fine achievement, I’m sure we all agree, and one that was almost matched in the last 12 months or so by Huddersfield Town from League One.
The Terriers’ equally impressive run stretched over 43 league games, culminating in a 2-0 defeat at table-toppers Charlton Athletic in November. The damage in the defeat to the Addicks did little to knock their spirit, mind, as Huddersfield have continued to press since then and find themselves in the relatively cosy position of fourth in the League One table, four points off an automatic promotion slot.
It seems very strange and extremely harsh then that the Huddersfield Town board deemed it fit to relieve manager Lee Clark of his duties on Wednesday afternoon after three years in charge at the club. Chairman Dean Hoyle stated: “Lee and his coaching staff have put their all into the job over the past three seasons and he has made a huge contribution to the club.
However, with 16 matches to go we still have the opportunity to achieve promotion and we have made this change with this in mind.” Hoyle’s decision is one that seems to have baffled many considering Huddersfield’s healthy position and the fact that Clark has lead them through that terrific unbeaten streak. However, the flip side of this is that the Yorkshire club may potentially finish another campaign in the play-offs – a lottery which hardly ever follows the form book and one which hasn’t been kind to them throughout the years. With that in mind, and the fact that the club will be desperate to get out of the division via the top two (this is their eleventh season in League One), I suppose you can understand the parting of ways.
I just wish all of you that were saying it is unexpected had sat at all the games we have this year and seen lacklustre performances, scrambled draws, poor tactics, ‘old manned’ by other managers (especially Martin Allen). All this from a manager who has bought without thought. Of course the squad is worth more – he has spent (squandered) the money! Why purchase every midfielder (Johnson, Miller, Gobern, Ward, Arfield, Robinson, Higgingbotham, McDermott etc) when everyone knew we needed pacey defenders. For every good player he bought, there are 3 signings not even good enough to get on his bench. Huge squad, 3 player changes every game, lack of cohesion.
At the end of every game his interview was that they will sort it out on the training ground next week! But next week was always the same.
IT WAS NOT UNEXPECTED, only to those with their head somewhere dark!
I do not comment on NUFC games, as I have not seen them play, so what makes you such an expert on HTAFC?
Spot on Mr Wood – after 3 years we are exactly where we were. Same division still not running away with it. LC has squandered millions & we still can’t even win a playoff. He lost it for me with the negative team selection for the playoff final. Posh were there to be attacked given their poor defensiuve record & what do we do – play 4-5-1 with an Arsenal novice as the only striker for 80 mins, with Rhodes on the bench ??!! LC just has not learnt anything…Also his dodgy touting of himself for Leicester & Leeds was unprofessional…
Thanks for the feedback. I have a good mate who’s a Town fan and he wanted shot of him too. I’m just seeing and saying it from an outsider perspective. Still, I’d swap positions with you lot in a heartbeat!