PETER CLARKE says Huddersfield Town are more than ready to mark the third anniversary of Lee Clark’s appointment as manager with the 69th League I win of his reign.
While Bournemouth come to the Galpharm on Saturday unbeaten in five, the captain is confident he and his teammates have what it takes to keep their promotion bid firmly on track.
Third-placed Town’s 2-0 defeat at leaders Charlton last time was their first loss in 44 league games and only their 29th in 137 under Clark’s command.
And defender Clarke knows a seventh home victory of the term would keep the pressure on second-placed Sheffield Wednesday, Town’s hosts on Saturday week.
“We’re approaching an important phase of the season, but as ever, we only look at the next game,” said the centre-back who helped Town beat Bournemouth on penalties after a 3-3 draw in last season’s memorable play-off semi-final second leg at the Galpharm.
“Bournemouth made a lot of changes during the close-season and didn’t have the start they would have liked this time around, but they have picked up some good results of late.
“It’s up to us to ensure that run is halted, and we want to maintain our recent home momentum and create a fear factor for teams coming to our ground.”
Elimination from the FA Cup meant Town had no match last weekend, but Clarke says the blank spell has had its positives.
“We’d rather have been involved in a cup-tie, but at least we’ve been able to top up our fitness levels with some intensive sessions,” he explained.
“There has also been the opportunity to rest up and get rid of some aches and strains, and we’ll go into the Bournemouth game nice and refreshed.
“I think we’ve all got the Charlton result out of our systems by now, and our total focus is on getting the better of a dangerous Bournemouth side.”
Clarke’s fellow centre-back Alex Bruce, the on-loan Leeds player, is pushing for a debut while rugged striker Jon Parkin is in line for a home bow after his loan switch from Cardiff.
