Alex Smithies is targeting a 10th Huddersfield Town clean sheet when the Championship campaign ends at basement side Blackpool on Saturday.

The club’s goals concession rate, 75 in 45 games, is the third worst in the division behind Fulham (79) and their final-day hosts (91).

It’s an obvious matter of concern for manager Chris Powell, and Smithies is keen to shut out the already-relegated Seasiders and set the tone for next season.

Town, in 16th, aim to make it seven games unbeaten and condemn Blackpool, whose drop to League I was confirmed at the start of this month, to an 18th game without a win.

And 25-year-old stopper Smithies said: “Getting another three points would be a good way to end the campaign.

“I think we are going in the right direction. Chris Powell came in after a tough start to the season and gave us all a different outlook.

“And while it’s taken time, I think in the last few matches we’ve shown we’re working towards what he wants.

“I’m sure with a full summer with him and perhaps a few signings, we’ve every chance of improving on things next season.”

Smithies, who has kept eight of Town’s nine clean sheets so far (the other was down to Joe Murphy), highlighted Powell’s man-management skills.

He said: “The club has a completely different feel. Both the manager and (assistant) Alex Dyer are just so positive.”