LEE CLARK says Huddersfield Town will be more than ready for the League I play-offs after their hopes of automatic promotion were effectively ended by Southampton’s 3-1 win at Plymouth.
With one round of regular-season games remaining, Clark’s men are three points behind the second-placed Saints, who are 17 better off in terms of goal difference.
Town, who are at home to Brentford on Saturday and sure to finish third, will face the sixth-placed side, either Bournemouth or MK Dons, in the play-off semi-finals.
The away leg will be on Saturday week, May 14 (12.45) with the return at the Galpharm on the following Wednesday, May 18 (7.45).
The final is at Old Trafford on Sunday, May 29 (3.00), and Clark said: “We’re optimistic, although certainly not complacent.
“Congratulations to Southampton because, like ourselves, they have been on a magnificent run and have won games when it mattered.
“They’ve got second spot behind Brighton, but we always said there are three promotion places available, and we’re determined to get the one that remains.
“I couldn’t have asked any more of my players over the second half of the season, and while they now need to keep working hard, hopefully for three extra matches, I know they will.
“There’s a great togetherness at this club, from (chairman) Dean Hoyle to the staff, the players and the supporters, and that will stand us in good stead.
“We’ve broken all kinds of club records over the last month, which makes me proud of the players and coaching staff, and I know we can carry our form into the play-offs.”
Southampton’s win, sealed by two goals from Rickie Lambert (one a penalty) and a Ryan Dickson strike, also condemned cash-strapped Plymouth to a second successive relegation.
