BARRY ENDEAN was optimistic, Bobby Hoy excited and Alan Gowling "pig-sick".

Experienced striker Endean had just arrived at Town from Division III rivals Blackburn in a swap deal which took winger Hoy to Rovers.

Prolific frontman Gowling had been desperate for a deadline-day transfer, but was left to complete the campaign at Leeds Road.

The former Manchester United man, whose 14 league goals so far that season had failed to prevent Town from being caught up in a relegation scrap, had admitted he wanted away.

"I'm pig-sick everyone seems to be moving except me," said the man whose three-year contract ran out that summer.

"I'm very disappointed that in spite of my efforts on the field, I seem to be no nearer getting a move away from Leeds Road."

Gowling, rated at £120,000 by Town, had been watched by a string of clubs.

"I haven't been told whether there have been any offers for me, but I'll be going in to see (general manager) Tom Johnston to see what went on."

Halifax-born Hoy's switch to Ewood Park marked the end of a 10-year association with Town which had brought two England Youth caps, a Second Division title medal (in 1970) and a total of 159 appearances and 19 goals.

"I've loved my time at Town, but I don't think I've ever achieved my full potential," said the 25-year-old.

"Hopefully there is still time for me, and this move might be the catalyst I need."

Endean, 28, had scored Watford's goal in their 1969-70 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool.

He had also played for Charlton Athletic before joining Blackburn in September 1971.

"Blackburn look like winning promotion to the Second Division, but now my job is keeping Huddersfield out of the Fourth," he said.

"Football's a changing game and you never know what's going to happen next."

Endean had to make do with a seat in the Selhurst Park stand two days later as Town held Crystal Palace to a 1-1 draw.

Town's teenage goalkeeper Dick Taylor was their hero, producing a string of saves to deny a Palace side spearheaded by Dave Swindlehurst.

Peter Taylor, now the Hull City and England Under 21 boss, put Palace ahead midway through the second half before Jimmy Lawson levelled.

* Gowling finally joined Newcastle for £70,000 in the summer of 1975, after Town had lost their battle against the drop to Division IV.

Endean scored just one goal for Town before moving to Workington in October 1975.

Hoy was at Blackburn until the summer of 1976, but played only 19 league games before switching to Halifax.