WE’LL BITE BACK, SAYS TERRIER LEE
Peltier so happy ‘home again’ at Huddersfield
WHEN Lee Peltier swapped the chaos at Leeds for the sanity of Huddersfield this summer, he could not have foreseen what was to follow so soon into his second stint at the Galpharm Stadium.
Just 90 minutes into the new Championship campaign, manager Mark Robins parted company with the Terriers following a 4-0 home defeat by Bournemouth – and a preseason’s worth of planning and promise appeared washed away down the River Colne.
While at Leeds, the 27-yearold saw manager Brian McDermott left in limbo with incoming owner Massimo Cellino effectively sacking him.
The Italian businessman’s arrival did at least end a period of financial uncertainty, making Peltier appreciate the security of a three-year contract at Huddersfield.
Yet the former Liverpool trainee believes the off-the-field goings on at the Yorkshire rivals are incomparable and that the Terriers still have everything in place to enjoy a fine season.
“The situation here is a bit different to what I encountered at Leeds,” said Peltier, who was previously with Huddersfield from 2009 to 2011.
“The chairman and chief executive are very good.You feel like they have got things in hand. It’s doesn’t feel disruptive. They’re around the players all the time and there’s a real family feel to the club.
Uncertainty
“There’s quite a difference because when I was at Leeds there were all sorts of different owners and different people coming in every week.You didn’t really know who was who.
“There was uncertainty near enough every single day of the year, so you get used to it. It’s a massive club but when I was there, there wasn’t much stability.
“People were always guessing and asking what was going on. Eventually it takes its toll because as players, we should just be concentrating on the football.
“When other things come into it then it takes your focus away from football in terms of not getting paid and managers getting sacked. It’s tough to say if the uncertainty affects performances on the field because when you’re on the pitch every player should want to do his best regardless of the situation.”
Robins had shown great faith in Peltier, handing him the captain’s armband immediately after his arrival from Elland Road.
Shocked
And while the defender is now taking orders from caretaker boss Mark Lillis, with potentially a third manager of the season to follow shortly, Peltier insists he knows enough about Huddersfield to lead them proudly.
“I was looking forward to working with Mark Robins, but I know the club,” he added. “Players and managers come and go, but some things never change. It didn’t need selling to me.
“It was a shock when Mark Robins left. It shocked all of us. It wasn’t a good result against Bournemouth, but I don’t think anyone could have guessed what would follow. There was no hint beforehand.
“But it feels great to be back, like coming home. I enjoyed some of my best football at Huddersfield Town when we were in League One.
“I just want to go out now and be the best player I can be and hopefully lead by example.”
A date in every Huddersfield fan’s diary is September 20, when the Terriers head to Elland Road bidding to avenge the 5-1 hammering suffered in February.
Peltier watched from the Leeds bench that day as Huddersfield were taken apart, although he insists a return to his former haunt adds no extra spice to the occasion. “It’s just a normal game for me,” he said. “I’m not worried about going back.
“I’ve still got a lot of friends at Leeds.”