Huddersfield Town digest: Jon Worthington's future, Chris Maxwell retires
Plus injury news and a predicted line-up for this weekend's trip to Exeter
What’s been said
— Jon Worthington, on what the future holds for Huddersfield Town and for himself:
“There’s some big decisions to be made and a reset needed to be made. We have to recognise what this league is and what it’s going to take to get out of it. I think we’re probably well aware of that.
“… I didn’t probably see it as a personal opportunity, I just saw it as an opportunity to do everything I could to help. I’ve tried to do that in every single game and I’ve tried my absolute best. I’m gutted more than anyone that we’ve fallen short. I’ll reflect once the season finishes on myself but I can assure you and the fans I’ve given everything I possibly can do. I’m as gutted as anybody.
“My role all along is leading the academy and ultimately that’s the role. It’s a big job that’s currently ongoing and a project that I’ve said all along I thoroughly enjoy. I'll be going back into that role and doing everything I can to get the next generation of Huddersfield Town players ready.”
— Jon Worthington, on whether he will play a part in helping to select Town’s next head coach:
“I don’t think I’ll be involved in those types of discussions, but I will give my advice in terms of what I’ve seen in this period that I’ve been in charge.”
— Lee Nicholls, on how the players will reflect on things over the summer once the season draws to a close:
“In the off-season you reflect and let your body recover and do all the right things, and it’s just mentally being prepared and learning from what’s gone wrong and maybe how you could have handled things differently.
“That’s part of being a professional and I think it’s hard to do that while the season’s going on, because as a footballer it’s never about the last game, it’s always about the next. It’s important to reflect, be ready, and take what you’ve learned from the season before into the next season.
“There’s been a lot that’s gone on this year and it might be good to get away from it and reflect and come back to a fresh start and try and get the fans onside and be fighting for promotion.”
Coming up next
Town will take the long trip to Exeter City for their final away game of the campaign, which will be a complete dead rubber for both sides.
Exeter have had an overall solid - if somewhat streaky — mid-table season.
Jon Worthington’s side will need to be particularly alert from set pieces after their recent frailty in that area, with Exeter boasting the second-best dead ball goalscoring record in the division.
Chris Maxwell retires
Terriers goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has announced his retirement from playing professional football at age 34 after suffering from a persistent hip issue this season.
Maxwell said in a club statement: “This is not a decision I’ve taken lightly, and I’ve had to reluctantly come to terms with stepping away from the game I’ve loved all my life after seeking medical advice. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved – living my dream and being part of some fantastic moments throughout my career.
“I want to thank everyone at Huddersfield Town for their support during my time here. It’s a special club with great people, and I sincerely hope the team earns promotion back to the Championship next season – where it belongs.
“While my playing career is ending, my passion for football remains. I’ve spent the last decade preparing for life after football, completing a Master’s in Sports Directorship and currently working towards a PhD focused on leadership and culture in the game.
“I’m excited for what lies ahead and for the chance to continue contributing to the sport in new ways.
“Football has been my dream for as long as I can remember.
“To have lived that dream – from coming through at Wrexham, to promotions with Fleetwood Town and Blackpool, where I had the honour of captaining the side, and earning a place in the Wales national squad – is something I’ll always be proud of.
“Thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey – the coaches, teammates, clubs and supporters who’ve shaped my career, and most importantly, my family, whose support has been unwavering throughout.”
Huddersfield Town injuries and absences
Worthington is not expecting any new players back from injury this weekend but does have a couple of injury doubts, but has opted to keep those names to himself.
We do know that Radinio Balker suffered ‘quite a serious’ ankle injury during last Friday’s defeat to Cambridge United and is out for the rest of the season.
Ruben Roosken and Mickel Miller both picked up hamstring injuries in the same game and will play no part in the final two matches this season.
Callum Marshall received a straight red card late on against Stockport for an elbow and is therefore likely be suspended for Town’s final two games of the campaign.
Rhys Healey, Danny Ward and Nigel Lonwijk have all long since been ruled out of appearing again this season, while Tom Lees has been ruled out since February.
Predicted line-up to face Exeter
3-4-1-2: Lee Nicholls; Ollie Turton, Matty Pearson, Josh Ruffels; David Kasumu, Jonathan Hogg, Antony Evans, Brodie Spencer; Ben Wiles; Dion Charles, Josh Koroma.
Substitutes: Jacob Chapman, Neo Eccleston, Lasse Sorensen, Joe Hodge, Herbie Kane, Tawanda Chirewa, Joe Taylor.
Huddersfield Town Women
Town Women will end their league season away to Doncaster Rovers Belles on Sunday afternoon with nothing left to play for for either side.
Congratulations to Town Women too on progressing through to the County Cup final against Sheffield United U21s. The final is set to take place at Rotherham’s New York Stadium on Wednesday 7th May in a 7:30pm kick-off.
Our schedule
We return to our usual schedule after Easter weekend, which means the podcast will be back on Monday for our paying backers.
Player ratings on both the men’s and women’s games will be out to all readers on the whistle, with five conclusions on the Exeter game available to our backers on Sunday morning.