Huddersfield Town’s Dean Whitehead has had enough of losing to Leeds United.

The experienced midfielder suffered a 1-0 defeat at Elland Road when he went there with Middlesbrough last season.

And back in November, he was on duty as Town suffered a 3-0 derby setback at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Many thought that scoreline flattered Leeds, who notched through Mirco Antenucci, Chris Wood and Alex Mowatt.

Huddersfield Town v Leeds Utd Sky Bet Championship. John Smith's stadium, Huddersfield. Dean Whitehead.

And Whitehead recalled: “They scored twice just before half-time and it knocked the stuffing out of us.

“Then they got a bit of a wonder goal from distance and it was game over.

“This is a different game and we are a different team now.

“The head coach (David Wagner) is slowly transforming this club on and off the pitch.

“I feel as a group we are more professional.

“We train better and harder and have a style of play we are comfortable with.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

“The boss has put his stamp on things and we are trying our best to put his ideas into practice.”

Former Oxford United, Sunderland and Stoke City man Whitehead, 34, is enjoying the particular demands of the midfield role in Wagner’s 4-2-3-1 system.

“You have to be brave and ready to work in tight areas,” he explained.

“It’s crucial to win the ball and make sure you don’t lose it.

“We have to stop our opponents and try to drive our play up the pitch.”

Town have lost their last four games against Leeds, and Whitehead wants to end that dismal run.

“We have to treat every game the same way, but we understand derbies are important for fans,” he said.

“Their supporters will try to make it hostile, so we will try to quieten them down as quickly as we can.

“Leeds have been a bit up and down but they have good players.

“We have to focus on ourselves and our gameplan and hopefully we will have enough to beat them.”