Goodwin’s influence so important for Huddersfield Town

Dec 24 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

NATHAN CLARKE has hailed the input of Jim Goodwin as Town prepare to tackle Carlisle United.

The Galpharm side go to Brunton Park on Boxing Day chasing a seventh win in eight League I games and a fourth away success on the trot.

It’s game two under new manager Lee Clark, and even though the Cumbrian outpost has seldom been a happy hunting ground, the centre-back sees no reason why 10th-placed Town can’t follow-up Saturday’s 2-0 home triumph against Hereford.

Clarke notched Town’s breakthrough goal – before Gary Roberts registered his seventh of the season – but was happier to talk about Goodwin’s input than his own.

The Irishman, who like defender Andy Butler is preparing to face his former club when Scunthorpe come to the Galpharm in Town’s second festive fixture on Sunday (3.00), has been playing in the midfield anchor role.

Clarke has therefore seen him operating at close quarters and said: “He’s been great to play alongside.