Huddersfield Town v Tranmere Rovers: Clark in plea for patience as Town raise bar

The Terriers have made no secret of their intent to bring success to the Galpharm Stadium with chairman Dean Hoyle even going so far as to issue a Premier League pledge to supporters.

Hoyle's words were no idle boast, either, as another summer of

extensive recruitment vividly illustrates.

Clark has been the beneficiary of the board's largesse with the Town manager now boasting a squad that is the envy of his League One peers.

Its strength was underlined this week week with Clark being afforded the luxury of leaving Lee Novak and Theo Robinson, the club's second and third highest scorers last season, on the bench for the opening two games.

The flipside to having such strength in depth, however, is a need to try to keep everyone happy – something that Clark accepts is not always easy.

He said: "I know from experience that players want to be playing every game, and how it can be frustrating to be out of the side.

"In that respect, I am not sure I could have managed me.

"I feel for the lads out of the side immensely. I hope none of them thinks I enjoy leaving anyone out.

"The players work damned hard in training so not to have that end product come the end of the week will be frustrating for them.

"There are quality players here who know if they left then they would play regular first-team football.

"What I have to do is make them buy into the fact that they are playing for one of the most ambitious football clubs in the country. This is a club that is looking to go places.

"It is a vision that is easy to sell to the players. They have desire and want to be involved in a successful team so are prepared to be patient.

"If they are patient and keep themselves right physically then the opportunity will come along. There are so many games.

"Being successful is easier said than done, of course. But if it is to happen then we need as many good players as possible.

"We have to cover every avenue – loss of form, suspension or injuries.

"Having strength in depth was something I spoke to the players about during half-time at Carlisle (on Tuesday night).

"I was a little bit disappointed with one or two aspects of the performance, so I said to the players, 'Everyone is playing for their places – whether it be training or in a game'.

"I then pointed out the quality sitting on the bench at this moment in time is very, very high."

Town followed an opening-day 3-0 win at Notts County with a 1-0 triumph at Carlisle to reach the Carling Cup second round, courtesy of a goal from Jordan Rhodes.

A trip to Everton on Wednesday, August 25 is Huddersfield's prize for defeating the Cumbrians, Clark adding: "You always want a home draw, but if it has to be away then where better than the highest seeded side in the competition at this moment in time?

"We are getting 6,000 tickets and I would imagine there is a very good chance of us selling all those.

"Goodison Park is a stadium that has not had a lot of development and is old-fashioned. But it also has a history and an aura about it, so I am looking forward to going there for the first time as a manager."

As much as Clark is looking forward to Town's trip to Everton, he is quick to stress the focus since Tuesday night has been on another Merseyside team – today's visitors Tranmere Rovers.

He said: "Tranmere have a terrific work ethic. They are a very fit side and look to have a good spirit. They are also a threat from set-plays.

"We are expecting a very tough game, but if we reproduce the form we showed last Saturday then we will give ourselves a very good chance of winning the game.

"I have to be delighted with two wins away from home and two clean

sheets. Now, we must build on that."

Huddersfield v Tranmere

Team news: Lee Clark has no fresh injury concerns after his squad came through the opening two games of the season unscathed. It means the Town manager is without only brothers Nathan and Tom Clarke for the visit of Tranmere Rovers.

Last six games: Huddersfield Town WLDLWW, Tranmere Rovers DWWLLW.

Referee: G Eltringham (Tyne & Wear).

Last time: Huddersfield Town 3 Tranmere Rovers 3; December 1, 2009; League One.

SkyBet odds: Huddersfield to win 1/2; Tranmere to win 11/2; Draw 16/5.