Lee Novak loving life at Huddersfield Town

Oct 3 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Lee Novak

“Both the Gateshead chairman (Graham Wood) and Ian Bogie kept me fully informed all the way along the line, and Ian, who knows Lee Clark from their time together at Newcastle, advised me to take the Town offer,” added Novak.

“Part of the deal was that I would return to Gateshead on loan, and while I was champing at the bit to get to Huddersfield, I was pleased to be able to play a part in helping them win promotion, and the club will always remain very special to me.”

Novak finished last season with 28 goals for Gateshead, who won promotion through the play-offs, beating AFC Telford United in the final.

A short holiday later, it was down to Huddersfield along with girlfriend Danielle to settle in and prepare for a pre-season which included an explosive friendly with Newcastle, Novak being left with a cut chin after a clash with Argentinian defender Fabricio Coloccini.

Missing out on an appearance at St James’ Park when Town visited in the Carling Cup in August was one of the few downs in a Town career which has begun more busily than Novak expected.

“I saw the quality of the other strikers the gaffer was bringing in, and I thought I’d have to bide my time to get into the side,” said Novak.

“Becoming a part of the first-team squad was my aim so to have featured in so many of the games so far (four starts plus nine appearances from the bench) has been brilliant.

“It was great to get my first goal (from the penalty spot in the 7-1 home League I win over Brighton) and I’ve established a good rapport with the fans, who have been brilliant with me.

“Adjusting to full-time training is sure to take time, and I know there will be setbacks, like not getting the chance to play at St James’.

“But the gaffer is great about keeping us informed about the reasons behind his decisions, and my only concern at the moment is our results.

“After starting the season really well, we’ve had a bit of a points drought (just two in the last four games), but our confidence levels are good, and we know what we’re capable of.

“We just have to keep plugging away, because things will turn for us, believe me.”