Dean Hoyle says this has been Huddersfield Town’s best season since they returned to the Championship in 2012 – regardless of their final placing or points tally.

The outcome of the abandoned final match at Blackpool will be decided by the Football League Board next Thursday, May 14.

If Town are awarded a victory for a game which was goalless when halted by protesting Blackpool fans invading the pitch, they will finish 15th on 57 points.

They were 19th on 58 points in 2012-13 and 17th on 53 last season and are currently 16th on 54.

Whatever the outcome (of the FL Board meeting) it won’t change my view of the season,” said chairman Hoyle.

“Overall this has been the best of our three seasons in the Championship so far and the club’s highest finish a long time.

“Without the pitch invasion at Blackpool, we might have ended in 15th, but I’m not bothered about that to be honest.

“I’m really encouraged and optimistic.

“Had we managed to be on the right side of some more of a number of very closely-fought games and scorelines we could easily have been even far higher than our finishing position in the table.

“No doubt other clubs could say the same, but I’m confident in similar circumstances next season we will manage those situations far better.

“The core squad that we end this season with is stronger than it was this time last year.

“The additions of (Jacob) Butterfield, (Conor) Coady, (Joe) Murphy and (Mark) Hudson were exactly what we needed in terms of quality, experience and professionalism.

“We’ve certainly ended on a far more positive note in terms of performances and results.

“Last season we were also faced with backroom changes as well, and now we have no issues in that department.

“We have a genuine ‘feel-good’ factor around the club and players and after a tough run in March, I see a change in the fans too; it’s really noticeable.

“We have certainly seen a much improved team spirit and togetherness, which we wanted the manager (Chris Powell) to nurture.”