Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle can’t wait for the Championship season to start and believes the squad are primed to push on.

The boardroom chief is hoping to bring in another couple of quality signings before the August transfer window closes, but he is far from daunted by doing battle at second-tier level.

There was massive relief when Town survived on the final day of last season, but Hoyle says business has been conduced correctly since that eventful day against Barnsley last May.

Six new signings have been brought in, the Canalside training complex has taken shape and the issue of the club’s shares in the John Smith’s Stadium is close to being resolved.

And as Town prepare to face Oldham Athletic tomorrow in their final pre-season friendly at Boundary Park (3.00) before the Championship opener at Nottingham Forest on August 3, Hoyle is in upbeat mood.

“What we are trying to do year on year is improve, and we need to improve on last season because it went right down to the wire,” said the lifelong fan.

“We really are looking to push on and do things in the right way. I think we have been quite astute in the transfer market and you never know, a bunch of players can come together who have come in at really good value and do the business.

“Just look at Crystal Palace. They were among the favourites for relegation last season and now they are a Premier League club, so it shows what can be achieved and we are very much looking forward to the season.”

Hoyle says he has no specific targets for the campaign, but he’s pleased with what boss Mark Robins is doing and says his relationship with the rest of the board is working well.

“I really do hope he’s successful here because he’s a good lad and someone who is prepared to listen,” said Hoyle.

“Unlike a lot of managers who want it all their own way and are very stubborn in dealing with matters, saying it’s full control or nothing, Mark takes on board what everyone has to say, gives his own opinion on things and, ultimately, of course, makes his own choices.

“He understands how things have to work, though, he gets on well with myself, with Ross Wilson and with Nigel Clibbens and, so far, I have been very impressed with what Mark has done – that’s why I genuinely hope he is successful for the club.”

Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle
Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle

So how far can the club go this season?

“I don’t set targets, never have done,” said Hoyle, who is keen for Tuesday’s Open Day to be a big success. Town fans are very knowledgeable and they know the Championship is very, very competitive.

“People spend lots of money, but spending doesn’t always guarantee success. This division is about doing things correctly, and that’s what we are going to try and do.”

Finishing touches are now being put to the Canalside main public buildings and Hoyle says he is delighted with the £4m which has been invested at the Leeds Road site which will house the club’s departments.

“It’s still a bit of a building site, but the facade is going up now and it’s very impressive,” he said.

“The aim is to have it completed by the QPR first home league game of the season (on August 10) and we hope fans will come down and use the facilities.

“People will see a real difference from the end of last season and Canalside will be a legacy for the club which will be here long after my chairmanship is over and, hopefully, for many years to come.”

Fans are reminded there is no game for Town Under 21s at AFC Emley tonight. It has been put back to next Thursday (7.15).