‘Keep heads held high and keep the faith’
HUDDERSFIELD Town legend Peter Hart has urged fans not to lose faith as they face the end of their Premier League fairytale.
The former club skipper has called on supporters to rally round Jan Siewert’s players to ensure Town leave the Premier League stage with ‘heads held high’.
Hart, who led Mick Buxton’s celebrated side to the Fourth Division title in 1980 and is now a vicar in the West Midlands, insists Town have plenty to be proud of despite their rock-bottom Premier League position.
But Hart, who is now chaplain at League One side Walsall, has warned the club to be ready for an almighty battle in the Championship to ensure history does not repeat itself with Town going into free-fall.
That is what happened when Hart was on Town’s books in the 1970s as the club was relegated three times in four years – a decline only arrested when Buxton took over from Tom Johnston as manager in 1978.
“Sadly, it’s plain for all to see that Town are pretty much certain to be relegated this season – but there’s still plenty for the fans to shout about,” Hart told the Examiner.
“When I went to watch them it was clear to me that the supporters were determined to have a good time and enjoy every minute of life in the Premier League, no matter what.
“I hope that is continuing and that the supporters keep faith in the players and the club as a whole, and just try their best to make the most of their time in Premier League because it was a long time coming.”
Hart believes the club is in better shape than ever to make the most of their two seasons in the moneyspinning Premier League.
“There will be memories that Town fans can cherish forever like the win over Manchester United and the draws against Manchester City and Chelsea,” he continued.
“And, overall, I think that as a whole Town have done well. They’ve had a poor season on the field, in terms of the league table but they haven’t got themselves in any trouble off the field.
“I feel really proud that Huddersfield Town have spent two seasons in the top tier of English football and not put themselves in any peril which some clubs do and I’m really pleased about that.
“They’ve not put themselves in danger financially because they’ve not over-spent and hopefully they’ll come back to the Championship, re-group and have another go.”
Hart became Town’s youngest ever first-teamer when he made his senior debut at the age of 16 years and 229 days against Southend United in 1974, and he went on to play for the club more than 200 times before moving to Walsall in 1980.
And he still has a lot of affection for the club where he broke into the first team under the auspices of then manager Ian Greaves.
“I’m really proud to have worn the blue and white stripes of Huddersfield Town and what the chairman and the club have done in terms of building a connection with the community has been very impressive,” Hart added. “I might sound as though I’m not being critical but they’ve done a great job, the Premier League is unforgiving.
“Town is a really good community football club and the players and supporters have an excellent relationship. The fans have to get
I hope the supporters keep faith in the players and the club as a whole
behind the players and not waver in their support for the club,” he said.
“I have not come across a professional footballer who doesn’t try to win every game.
“Every single pro worth his salt will go out there and want to do well because that’s what you’re paid to do.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing on a Sunday morning on Leeds Road Playing Fields or the John Smith’s Stadium on a Saturday afternoon.
“You go out there and so your best because if you don’t you’re letting down yourself and your team-mates and those who pay your wages.
“For what it’s worth, I do think the players will continue to go out there and do their best and I think that was suggested by the performance at West Ham.
“They are still trying, they are still wanting to do their best and I am certain that if they keep up that level of performance that they get a win or two and a few goals under their belts before the end of the season.
“And then they will be able to make sure they depart the Premier League – for now – with their heads held high.”
Looking ahead, Hart is confident the future is bright thanks to chairman Dean Hoyle’s stewardship.
“They have to stick together – the fans, the players and the club hierarchy,” Hart added.