Club in switch to ‘B Team’ model in new structure

TOWN have announced that they will switch to a B Team model for the new season, replacing the existing Elite Development Team structure.

Danny Schofield will be in charge of the B team having previously worked with head coach, Carlos Corberan, for Leeds United’s academy.

The change does not affect the club’s under-17 or under-19 squads, with the EDT previously effectively acting predominantly as an under-23 side.

A club statement said they ‘will play in a mix of competitions like the Premier League Cup, take on high-level European opposition when it is safe to do so, face senior sides from lower divisions in stadia and play other games tailored to aid the players’ development.’ The idea is that the young players who are potentially closest to making their first-team breakthroughs will train as part of Corberan’s first-team training squad, with a squad of 30 players the stated ideal.

That should mean that those players are fully versed in the way Corberan and the more senior players expect things to be done on and off the field if and when it comes time for them to step up into the first-team matchday squad.

We understand the club also believe the switch will allow them to arrange games against a higher standard of opposition than was possible with the EDT.

Academy manager Emyr Humphreys said: “We are really excited about introducing

Huddersfield Town B; it will provide our top young players with a fantastic experience and help with their transition into the first team.

“As an academy we are proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 12 months in terms of the number of players who have gained minutes or been in the match-day squad of the first team, but it can’t just stop there. Once you’ve made your debut, you must keep developing and keep impressing to become a first team player.

“By introducing Huddersfield Town B, our youngsters will be closer to the first team than ever before and will see day-in-day-out what it takes to start regularly for this club. It also provides a real alignment and insight for them.”