ON TOP OF SCHINDLER LIST SUPER TOWN FANS

CHRIS SCHINDLER says fighting relegation with Huddersfield is much easier than in Germany – because the fans are on his side rather than on his back.

Schindler reckons the roar at the John Smith’s Stadium has visiting sides running scared, and maybe even the odd referee too.

That is in sharp contrast to the battles he faced when he was captain of 1860 Munich, whom he describes as Germany’s answer to Leeds United.

Just like Leeds, 1860 have a glorious past and a troubled recent history – and their fans were quick to get on Schindler’s back when things went wrong.

They only just avoided the drop to Germany’s third division in a play-off when the centre-back was there, and have since plummeted to the fourth tier.

Schindler is set to face Brighton at the John Smith’s Stadium today in another relegation battle, with Huddersfield on a run of four straight defeats.

Schindler said: “My former club was quite comparable to Leeds, with a big past, a lot of expectations. Those expectations weren’t met, so there was a lot of frustration as well.

“When you were not successful, the atmosphere in the stadium was one of putting pressure on their own team. If the first 10 minutes, for example, were not great, then they started booing, as they did if there was a misplaced pass.

“But here it’s totally different, because everybody knows where we’ve come from, and last season, everybody knew where we came from. It makes it way, way easier.”

Huddersfield’s home record is keeping them out of the relegation zone, where 11 of their 15 points have been won.

“The support is immense, and that’s what we need to have a chance to stay up,” said Schindler.

“Every home game is electric and we need this to put pressure on the opponents and maybe also on the referee.”

Schindler insists he is settled in West Yorkshire, despite reports in Germany he is homesick.

He added: “I feel really comfortable here. I’m so grateful and thankful and happy to be here.”