PETER CLARKE refused to be drawn on claims that Nigel Adkins will be Huddersfield Town’s next manager but said: “This is a great club and it’s a good job for anyone to take.”
Town skipper Clarke and his teammates had a farewell meeting with axed boss Simon Grayson before caretaker duo Mark Lillis and Steve Eyre took training in preparation for today’s FA Cup fourth round home clash with Leicester City.
Clarke denied there has been any disharmony in a side that has gone 12 league games without a win and slipped to 18th in the Championship prompting Thursday’s change at the top.
“I’m around the dressing room every day and I’ve seen nothing of that nature,” said the centre-back.
“It’s fair to say all the lads have been asking themselves if there is anything they could have done differently in recent weeks.
“This is a results driven business and unfortunately the results have not been the way we, or the former manager, would have wanted.”
Town resume their league campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday but Clarke said today’s cup tie is the sole focus.
“Our last two results against Leicester (Town lost 2-0 at home and 6-1 away) have left a lot to be desired,” added Clarke.
“This time we will do our best to get the win and make sure we are in the fifth round draw.”
Academy manager Lillis and development coach Eyre explained they have called on Clarke, as well as academy coach Frankie Bunn, to prepare for today’s cup tie.
“It’s a whirlwind time, but that’s football,” said Lillis. “I’m just focusing on today’s game and it will be an honour to be in charge.
“It’s a tall order because they are a good side who are doing well, but we had a great response from the players in training.
“I know from experience that if you put in a shift the fans will be fully behind you and we are going to give it our best shot.”
Midfielder Oliver Norwood is in the Northern Ireland squad for their Wednesday, February 6 friendly against Malta in Valletta.
