Reynolds announced Terriers top man!
Disappointingly Simon Grayson was forced to resign from Huddersfield Football Club due to personal medical reasons, Dean Hoyle took the decision quickly to give rookie manager Reynolds his first opportunity in football management.
Reynolds first job as Huddersfield manager is to take control of his first press conference, something that has been told will be something of a rarity due to the assistant manager being given the responsibilities of the future press conferences, however during this first press conference it was announced that Reynolds believes this job to be his dream job, stating that it would be very difficult to replace a man with the stature of Simon Grayson. There was also questions about transfer policies and targets floating about, however Reynolds remained quiet on these issues choosing not to disclose too much information.
On the first day at the training ground the squad turn up unsure of what to make of the new man in charge, opportunities are there to make their point and press their claim for first team football for the following season. Glynn Snodin took charge of the first training session with Reynolds looking on from the side lines to see what quality he had at his disposal.
Transfer Action:
In:
Mateja Kazman - no club - trial 4 weeks - One time Chelsea striker, never quite clicked in the premiership has been given 4 weeks to prove his talents at Huddersfield.
Big money transfer (well in league 1 standards) - Abdoulaye Cisse - Masry - £180k - A random scouting trip turns up this 27 year old who has pace to burn, a pricey move, but lets see if he can cut it in the English leagues.
Jamal Blackman - Chelsea - Loan - Blackman has been loaned in to provide competition for the Goalkeepers top.
Michael Keane - Manchester United - Loan - Again a young player who is to provide competition for places in the squad.
Brian Howard - Reading - Loan - A good midfielder to push the rest of the team on wards, his experience will be a great asset for the younger players.
Mateja Kezman - Free Contract - Impressed while on his trial at the club. Again his experience will help along his fellow strikers.
Out:
Joey Goudjonsson - Derby - £40k - Reynolds felt that although Joey was a good player that he did not fit into his plans for the season so felt it only fair to offer him to other clubs, an offer that Derby snapped up. All the best to Joey for the following season.
Danny Cadamarteri - Swindon - £24k - Same reason as Joey, with the added benefit of freeing up some wage budget and transfer money.
Pre-season Friendlies:
Huddersfield Vs Huddersfield Reserves:
On the first pre season fixture of the season Huddersfield beat their name sake reserve side 4-1, interestingly all four goals were scored by midfielders, with Danny Ward, Oscar Gobern * 2 and Kallum Higginbotham getting on the score sheet. It was a very easy paced game, a nice game to get the team up and running for the rest of the campaign.
Huddersfield Vs Chelsea Reserves:
A superb performance so early in pre season with a 5-0 victory over a much more fancied opposition. On the score sheet on this occasion was Alan Lee, Danny Ward, Jamal Blackman own goal and a brace from Lee Novak. Fingers crossed that this form continues deep into the season.
Hamilton Academical Vs Huddersfield:
First away trip of pre season but the results are staying the same. This time a hard fought 2-1 victory for the terriers. Trialist Kezman was in the action on his first appearance, firstly being denied a penalty before executing a sublime chip from outside the box a couple minutes later. After a Hamilton goal it was left to Gary Roberts to seal the victory late on. A good start for Kezman, looking promising for the offer of a contract.
Huddersfield Vs Middlesbrough:
It had to come at some point, and that point is here. a 4-2 loss at home is very disappointing, especially when having the best of things during the tie. Goals from Peter Clarke and Kallum Higginbotham. Perhaps it was the gap in the divisions or maybe it was just the 'Boro forwards taking their chances. What ever the reasons, lessons will be learnt from this performance.
There were a few more pre season games, but none were played with a full strength team, more a blend of youth and first team players, as such the rest of the friendlies ended in mixed results.
But onto the first game of the season:
Home Vs Rochdale:
First game first win in the league, 3-1 victory and the team was looking promising. The goals started off with a own goal from Rochdale full back Dean Holden, this was followed by goals from Jordan Rhodes and Danny Ward. Akpa-Akpro pulled one back late on but was merely a consolation goal. A man of the match performance from Goalkeeper Ian Bennett was another positive to come from the game. Cisse had his debut, he played well if not outstanding but there was certainly room for optimism for the striker. Unfortunately there was a serious injury to starting left back Gary Naysmith who has suffered a torn calf muscle and will be out for 4 to 5 months. Maybe a short term loan will be looked into for this position.
League Cup 1st Round:
Home Vs Bury:
A controlling victory in this 1st round tie, ending in a 4-0 victory. Rhodes bagged 2 goals, Cisse got his first for the club along with Sean Morrison. Kezman came on in the closing stages to make his first team competitive debut. A man of the match performance from Kallum Higginbotham.