UNDER-FIRE Giants head coach Jon Sharp is refusing to buckle under the pressure and is prepared to carry on taking the flak – because he still remains 100% confident the tide will turn.
Huddersfield host Hull KR in a vital Super League clash at the Galpharm on Sunday (3.00) on the back of eight defeats in their last 11 League and Cup clashes and they have slid to second bottom of the Super League ladder.
Sharp’s side were also dumped out of the Challenge Cup by Hull KR at the fifth-round stage last weekend.
As a result, many fans are once again calling for Sharp’s head, just like they were at the start of last season when the Giants lost their opening seven Super League fixtures.
And the Galpharm boss believes history can repeat itself and that the season is still far from over.
“No-one is happy where we are right now, especially me,” said Sharp (pictured left).
“But I still have faith in my players and faith in what we are doing.
“I will continue to stand up for my team as long as they are continuing to work hard and are determined to put things right, which they are right now.
“I know how hard it is for them when times are tough and they’re really up against it.
“But, like me, I hope they can all overcome this difficult period and that we can get back on track as quickly as possible.”
He added: “I’m strong enough to deal with the flak thrown at me, because I still believe in what we are doing.
“Our philosophies this year are the same as those in the previous seasons which have made me the most successful Huddersfield Giants coach in the Super League era.
“And I do feel at times that I am a victim of my own success.
“Because of what we have achieved in recent seasons, the expectation levels have increased significantly.
“As a result, people now expect us to turn over clubs like big-spending Warrington Wolves at the Millennium Stadium and go to places like Hull KR – who have also made so many quality signings – and win there as well.
“But achieving success in Super League is not that easy.
“This is the toughest season ever, and to achieve a positive result against any side in the competition has never been harder.
“However, history has shown that our time will come.
“We have the quality of player in this squad who can turn everything right, and they will.”
A home win against Hull KR would be a timely tonic.
“I’ve been careful not to stress how important a win is for us, because I don’t want to create added anxiety, which is something the players are feeling,” he explained.
“I just want everyone to focus on playing well for the full 80 minutes, because if we do that we won’t go far wrong.”
I just can’t wait! – full Brett Hodgson interview on Page 44.
