Having stayed up last season, Sports Mole previews Huddersfield Town's chances of replicating that feat over the coming months.
With just four days to go now until the new Championship season gets off and running, Sports Mole casts its eye over Huddersfield Town's summer and what that has done to their prospects for the 2013-14 campaign.
In:
James Vaughan (From Norwich City, £1m), Jake Carroll (From St Patrick's Athletic, Undisclosed), Adam Hammill (From Wolverhampton Wanderers, Undisclosed), Martin Paterson (From Burnley, Free), Jon Stead (From Bristol City, Free)
Out:
Tom Clarke (To Preston North End, Free), Lee Novak (To Birmingham City, Free), Scott Arfield (Released), Alan Lee (Released), Chris Atkinson (To Tranmere Rovers, Loan)
Last Season: 19th
Manager: Mark Robins
Three key players:
Peter Clarke - The Terriers conceded 26 goals at home last season - that is fewer than both Crystal Palace and Watford, who contested the playoff final. While everyone involved deserves a slice of the credit for that statistic, it would not have been possible without the leadership of Clarke. He showed during his 43 outings that he is the type of centre-back who will put his body on the line and rarely lose a header. At the age of 31, he still has another two or even three years at this level, injury permitting.
Adam Hammill - Wingers tend to be match-winning players one week, then seven days later appear as though they have two left feet. Hammill is no different and even Robins recently admitted that the summer addition from Wolves must find some consistency over the coming campaign. He certainly has the ability to hurt the opposition, as he showed during his loan spell with Huddersfield towards the end of last season. The 25-year-old former Liverpool trainee is the type of wide man who likes to come inside and get involved with play.
James Vaughan - There were few better loan contributions than the one that Vaughan made last term. Having signed on for the entire campaign from Norwich City, he went on to score 14 goals, including
one on the final day of the season to help Huddersfield preserve their Championship status. It would be fair to conclude that the 25-year-old would have improved upon that tally but for a succession of niggling injuries. It was a real coup for Robins to secure Vaughan's services permanently and if he can mimic his goals from last year, it would go a long way to helping the Yorkshire outfit remain in the second tier.
First game: Nottingham Forest (A), Complete fixture list
Sports Mole says: Having been promoted from League One, last season was all about ensuring that the Terriers remained a Championship club. This time around, supporters will probably want their team to move on and establish themselves in the division. If they can keep Vaughan fit, there is no reason why they cannot look to finish towards the top end of the bottom half. They will need to improve upon a leaky defence away from home, though - no team conceded more than Huddersfield's 47. If a solution for that problem is not found, then it could be another nervy ending.
Predicted finish: 19th
