PETER CLARKE says Canalside is taking shape superbly for Huddersfield Town’s pre-season training schedule.

While the players – who return on Thursday for the build-up to the Saturday, August 3, Championship opener at Nottingham Forest – will go away on a training camp to Spain, they will largely be based down at the quickly-developing venue on Leeds Road.

Town’s 31-year-old skipper has already been using the Stripes Gym in readiness for the start of work under boss Mark Robins and his backroom team of Steve Taylor and Darren Robinson.

And Clarke says Canalside will be a massive benefit to the club and community for years to come.

“There are still some bits to be done but the pitches are reallytaking shape now and you know that, given another couple of weeks, they will be in tip-top condition,” said Clarke.

“We really are going to have great training facilities and it’s fantastic how it’s all coming together.

“The gym has been expanded from what it was, which is really good and there is plenty of room to work, and the decking area is really nice for people to be able to sit out and for the players to be able to eat lunch outside.

“In addition, the kitchens have been expanded and given some TLC, which is great for the staff to be able to provide some terrific food for the lads and for the members as well.

“The whole facility is something which the whole are can be proud of.”

Clarke paid tribute to chairman Dean Hoyle for his foresight in putting the plan together and providing the funds to see it through.

“Whatever the chairman has done in his businesses so far he has been successful and he has always said that he wants to leave a legacy at Canalside that will be around for years to come,” added Clarke.

“The facilities will be there for future generations of Huddersfield Town players and also future generations of Huddersfield people. That legacy from the chairman will be there for all to see, but he is also providing a very, very good facility for the here and now.”