Graeme Jones admits he’s surprised by Huddersfield’s winless start to the season but understands, first-hand, the difficulties that exist for a newly-relegated Premier League club.
The Luton boss was assistant to Darren Moore at West Bromwhich Albion last season as they tried to bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking after dropping into the Championship.
Though the pair steered the Baggies to fourth spot by March, it wasn’t good enough for the Hawthorns hierarchy and they were both relieved of their duties.
Jones will go head-to-head with Terriers’ caretaker boss Mark Hudson on Saturday at Kenilworth Road after manager Jan Siewert was sacked two weeks ago following a 2-1 defeat to Fulham.
Asked if he is surprised at the Yorkshire club taking just one point for their start in the league, he said: “I am surprised, (especially) with the quality in the group, but obviously I have been through this process myself.
“There is a huge fallout when a team gets relegated from the Premier League. I’ve said on record that, from me and Darren, was one of my most satisfying experiences in the game, because to make that club competitive after such a fallout, it’s really difficult.
“There is a lot of politics to deal with, a lot of finance to deal with, and I think Huddersfield has been a little bit of a result of that, but there is no doubt they possess the quality to hurt anybody at any given time. We need to be aware of that.
“Three months ago, they were facing all the big boys. Obviously, the manager’s changed, which gives a club impetus.
“I watched the Reading versus Huddersfield game in detail, they played well they’ve got a real threat with (Karlan) Grant upfront. (Rajiv van) La Parra wide on the left, so they’ve got some good players. (Jonathan) Hogg’s a good player.
“These are Premier League-experienced players, so they know what it’s about, I’m just looking forward to the game.”
Terrier’s caretaker Hudson told the Examiner Live he had, “No idea” about the club’s search for a new manager.
He added: “My focus is on Luton and to go from there. We have a big game this weekend and my main focus is to get the team right going into that – then we will see after that.”
Asked whether he had spoken the club’s chairman Phil Hodgkinson about the job, Hudson said: “We have spoken about the team – he knows I will be focused purely on giving the team the best for this week.
“I am not one to look too far in the future.”
