Dean Whitehead says the Chris Powell effect has proved crucial at Town this close-season.
The 33-year-old midfielder was the first of the manager’s new recruits back in June.
Powell wanted Whitehead, who can also play right-back, when he was in charge at Charlton Athletic.
Back in 2013, the former Oxford United and Sunderland player, who was at the end of his Stoke City contract, chose Middlesbrough.
But when it became clear his future lay away from Teesside, Whitehead was happy to team up with Powell at Town.
“The gaffer is well known throughout the game, and I was impressed when I spoke to him two years ago,” he explained.
“Going to London wouldn’t have been the right move for me at the time.
“But joining Huddersfield is the right move and I can’t wait for the season to begin.”
The last of Manchester-based Whitehead’s 63 appearances for Boro was last season’s Championship play-off final defeat by Norwich City at Wembley.
“It was a huge disappointment to lose a game like that, but the dust has settled now,” added the father-of-two.
“I was out of contract at Boro, I had a chat with them and we decided a change would be best for both of us.
“Like I said, the manager and his coaches Alex Dyer and Steve Eyre have a very good reputation and I am keen to learn from them.
“I’m sure that goes for all the other new lads as well, and we have all settled in nicely.
“Chris Powell is a very positive man and I liked what he had to say about moving the club forward.
“I know he wanted to add some experience to the squad and I can certainly do that.”
Whitehead, who has made 557 career appearances, scoring 29 goals, is happy he agreed his two-year contract so early.
“It was good to get among the lads right from the start of pre-season,” he explained.
“I already knew Jacob Butterfield, but the rest of the group have been great.
“We have a good set, with some young lads who can really develop.
“I will try to help them do that and help the club kick on.
“I can certainly add some steel and a bit of know-how, and I think we can make progress this season.
“If we all perform to a good standard, and find some consistency, we can challenge for a top-10 spot.”
