Football Season Guide

It would be fair to say things haven’t gone to plan for Huddersfield Town under the ownership of Kevin Nagle. The outspoken American philanthropist took over the Terriers in the summer of 2023 and saw the side relegated from the Championship in 2023/24. An immediate return appeared to be going to plan last season following a 16-match unbeaten run. The wheels then fell off following an incoherent transfer strategy in the January window. Michael Duff was sacked in March with just three wins in eleven matches and the campaign ended with the team in 10th place, 14 points adrift of the play-offs. Throwing money at the problem appears to be the strategy again this summer, following the appointment of rookie Lee Grant as Duff’s permanent successor. It remains to be seen whether making so many changes is the recipe for success. More than 20 players have left the club, including some mainstays of the sides from recent seasons. Centre-back Matty Pearson has joined Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers whilst wing-back Brodie Spencer and winger Sorba Thomas have both been sold to Championship clubs. The likes of full-back Josh Ruffels, centre-back Tom Lees, midfielder Jonathan Hogg and striker Danny Ward have all been released. The incomings are a cause for optimism however, not least the arrival of centre-back Sean Roughan from Lincoln City, who was a target for Championship clubs. Goalkeeper Owen Goodman had an outstanding season on loan at AFC Wimbledon and has signed on a similar basis from Crystal Palace. Midfielder Ryan Ledson and winger Marcus Harness arrive with plenty of Championship experience under their belts. Bohan Radulovic, Dion Charles, Freddie Ladapo, Joe Taylor and Rhys Healey all have something to prove in attack after disappointing seasons, and they’ll be competing with Alfie May, a £1.2m statement signing from Birmingham City. Grant will be learning on the job and he’s been heavily backed so there’s plenty of expectation on his shoulders.