Huddersfield are a great example for the Robins to follow

TWENTIETH position, 49 points, with 71 goals conceded. That is how Saturday’s opponents Huddersfield Town finished last season in the EFL Championship. Twelve months later, Carlos Corberan’s side have finished third with 82 points, conceding only 47 goals and go into the play-offs with a very realistic chance of reaching the Premier League.

Our 3 Peaps In A Podcast Bristol City fans show has a segment called “Lee’s 3 words” provided by City fan and regular contributor Lee Williams, and Lee’s words for the Huddersfield game were “Huddersfield Provide Example”.

Last game of the season and with no possible change to our 17th-placed finish, I had expected Nigel Pearson to give the likes of Tommy Conway, Duncan Idehen and Josh Owers some game-time. As it was, only Idehen out of the three got on the pitch as a 77th-minute substitute for the injured Timm Klose. Joe Williams was ruled out with an Achilles injury and so in came Han-Noah Massengo for what could well be his last appearance in a Bristol City shirt. Han is out of contract next summer and hasn’t signed the deal on the table. Judging by his tearful reaction and the reaction of his team-mates at the end of the game, it certainly looks as if he will be playing his football away from BS3 next season.

Going into the game unbeaten in five and having played some decent stuff recently, I’d hoped we would come away from the John Smith’s Stadium with at least a point. Unfortunately, on the day, the Terriers were too good for us and deservedly ran out 2-0 winners.

City didn’t play badly, Carlos Corberan’s side just had more about them. We struggled in the middle of the pitch and didn’t create enough for our front three. Defensively, we got pulled around the pitch and Huddersfield always seemed to have an overload out wide. If Nigel Pearson wants to play a similar style next season, we need energetic wing-backs who can get forward and back and when in advanced positions deliver better quality into the forward players, as well as contributing with goals. Pipa and especially Harry Toffolo were excellent for Town, with Toffolo getting the opening goal.

Thanks to everyone who has read this column. Thanks to those that have taken the time to comment online and, while I know that you don’t always agree with me, I love to read what fellow City fans think.