Huddersfield Town fans are demanding a more positive approach from players and management as the club approach a crucial double of festive fixtures in the Championship programme.
Supporters were dismayed and disappointed by both the performance and result in Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Birmingham City and are worried about Town getting dragged ever closer to the relegation placings.
They have a five-point gap above the drop zone at the moment as preparations get under way for the Boxing Day trip to Rotherham, which is followed two days later by Bolton Wanderers’ visit to the John Smith’s Stadium.
Tony Robery, the Horbury Terrier, was one of many to contact the Examiner with his thoughts.
“After the previous week’s result at Norwich, there was the expectation that we would come out with an attacking line up, play with a high tempo and show a desire to get stuck in,” he said.
“Our two best performances at home, against Brentford and Forest, came with us playing two up front, so why were we so negative (against Birmingham)?
“There was a complete lack of urgency, energy and passion which should be taken as a given by every supporter. This was shown up all over the pitch but especially at throw ins and goal kicks.
“It was Bournemouth all over again except that Birmingham were awful and there for the taking, especially in the first 20 minutes. So why did we insist on such a ponderous approach? Why were the players not up for the game?
“This was highlighted in the second half when Town had a counter attack and not one single player got above jogging pace to support Grant Holt. The supporters around us were going ballistic!”
Robery says the blue and white army who are going to Rotherham expect much better.
He added: “As loyal supporters we will take defeat by a better team but not a lack of effort.
“The players’ body language said it all and it was only in the last five minutes of added time that we looked anything like a Town team.
“We were desperate to get behind the team and 2,500 have paid to come and support Town at Rotherham.
“We want something to shout about and that can only happen if the manager picks the right team with the right tactics and the players perform on the pitch. Up the Town.”
Graham Brown, a lifelong fan from Holmfirth, says Town and Chris Powell must be more positive.
“If that was a reaction to our heavy defeat at Norwich then God help us,” he said.
“It was an embarrassing performance against one of the worst sides we have played for years.
“It’s not rocket science, but Chris Powell you do have to pick the right team.
“It’s simple – play with same pace and high intensity as we did against Nottingham Forest.
“Any more lacklustre performances will see us drop like a stone. It needs sorting.”
Chris Green from Dalton felt a lack of passion was key to the defeat and hard to stomach.
“It was a boring game to say the least – had 0-0 written all over it until Cotterill broke the deadlock with that stunner of a free-kick,” he said.
“Our players barely showed any passion throughout, which is clearly unacceptable at this level.
“We must bounce back on Boxing Day – and in convincing style – or we risk getting pulled into a battle for survival.”
