TOWN boss Lee Clark has pleaded with fans to have patience with loan signing Lukas Jutkiewicz.
The 19-year-old from Everton reacted by throwing a training top after he was substituted after half an hour of Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with bottom-of-the-table Cheltenham.
Clark explained: “Lukas is a young boy and he was very emotional at half time.
“He made a mistake and he has apologised to the staff and the players and he wants to apologise to all the Huddersfield fans.
“He isn’t the first to make a mistake when being substituted. I made one of the highest-profile mistakes ever at the Dell in 1994 when I kicked a steel bucket after Kevin Keegan had taken me off – so I have been there!”
Jutkiewicz, who arrived from Goodison Park in the transfer window and who is on loan until the end of the season, has endured declining form as he tries to find his feet with Town.
Making his debut in the win over Leeds United, he followed that with an impressive performance in the 3-1 defeat at Crewe, but he has since failed to produce the same kind of form.
He has struggled to win over Town’s fans and his substitution on Saturday was greeted with some derisory chants from sections of the ground.
Clark was plainly hoping that the teenager could win back some friends on the terraces.
“I know the fans didn’t take to it too nicely, but I told the defenders they were the ones who had let Lukas down,” said the manager.
“Being two goals down before half time I had to change things at the top end of the pitch because we needed to stretch them with a bit of pace.
“I could have brought any of the 10 outfield players off, but I needed to get Danny (Cadamarteri) onto the pitch, even though it was the defenders who had let me down.
“I just hope the fans will forgive Lukas. I know they love their club and they have been terrific in getting behind the team.
“Lukas has apologised to everyone for his reaction to everyone connected with Huddersfield Town.
“He is with us until the end of the season and we will work with him. He is a lovely lad and he is trying his very best.
“What happened was unfortunate, but let’s give him a chance and not hang him out to dry. Let’s get him back.”
Town striker Phil Jevons today joined League II Bury on loan.
He watched them draw 1-1 with Chester on Saturday after agreeing the move.
