Lee Clark talks to his hometown paper about managing Huddersfield Town
“Of course there’s pressure – the owner Dean Hoyle is a millionaire who used to stand on the terraces. He’s burning with ambition, which is why he came in and brought me in.
“Promotion is the aim this season, then eventually the Premier League. Why not? We’re back to Wigan and Hull.”
Clark, ably supported by his Geordie backroom staff, has acted boldly to try and build on a solid foundation.
“I’ve signed five new players already this summer and I bet not many managers can say that,” smiled Lee.
“We did well in the second-half of last season, but we lacked firepower and I’ve addressed that.
“We are constantly reminded down here about Law and Worthy, but I want to create new heroes. That’s what I’ve told the lads.
“We’ve signed young, hungry players who want to go places and will take the club with them.
League One is going to be hugely competitive this season. Just think of the three clubs who have come down from the Championship – Charlton, Norwich City and Southampton. I played against all three in the Premier League.
“Then there is Leeds United on our doorstep. Not long ago they played in the semi-final of the Champions League.
“We beat then home and away last season which gave us the local bragging rights, even if they did make the play-offs.”
Approaching his first full season as a manager, Clark would be the first to admit he still has his L plates on, but he’s learning fast.
“People often talk about inexperienced managers, but I don’t know how you’re supposed to get experience unless someone like our chairman is willing to give us a chance,” Lee told me.
