SIMON GRAYSON looked ahead to Huddersfield Town’s final two tune-up games and told his team: “None of you are guaranteed a place when the season gets going.”
With the club’s first competitive match, the tough-looking Capital One Cup first-round tie at Preston, just a week away and the big Championship opener at Cardiff following on Friday, August 17, the manager admits he is still looking for the right formula.
Promoted Town’s remaining friendlies are at Chesterfield tomorrow and at home to Barcelona B on Wednesday and in the wake of Saturday’s goalless draw at Oldham, Grayson said: “It was quite lifeless and we’ve got to make sure it acts as a kick up the backside.”
Town are five games into their pre-season programme and still seeking a win, but Grayson said: “I wouldn’t have been bothered if we had lost but I had seen things I liked.
“But there wasn’t really much to get excited about – it was all too quiet.
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“I want us to be a team that’s full of energy and zest, but we weren’t.
“There wasn’t enough closing down, and there weren’t forward runs. We were too slow and ponderous with the ball.
“We’re all keen for the real action to begin, but pre-season is important because it’s a means to an end and we still need a lot of improvement.
“The next two games are vital in terms of individual and team performances and it’s going to be a big week on the training ground for every player as well.
“I’ve told them that none of them are guaranteed a place – they are up for grabs.
“I know we have a good hard-working bunch and they need to think about what they have to do in training and in the two remaining friendlies to be in the team when the season gets going.”
The three-times League I promotion winner, who has previously managed Blackpool and Leeds, added: “I’ve seen this situation before and I know that if the players take the lessons of games like these on board, they are capable of getting things right.”
