How Huddersfield Town could look if Paul Warne is appointed - 3 changes are likely to be made | OneFootball

Football League World takes a look at three changes that Paul Warne could make to the Terriers if he is appointed in the summer.

With just a few weeks left to go in the 2024/25 season, Huddersfield Town's campaign has been one to forget and supporters will be looking forward to the break in the summer.

After relegation last year from the Championship, there were hopes that an instant return to the second tier was on the cards at the John Smith's Stadium, but they look to have been dashed following a poor few months.

Injuries and inconsistent performances have left the Terriers staring down the barrel of a second successive season in League One for the first time since 2012 and a new permanent manager will be the number one priority for Kevin Nagle.

Paul Warne is just one name that the hierarchy at Huddersfield are interested in, according to Mike Keegan, and Football League World has taken a look at three changes he could make to the team if he his given the job.

Warne returns to Derby County for double winger signings

Throughout his time at Derby County, the 51-year-old's football was based on overloading teams out wide, getting players into the box and putting in crosses that defences found tough to deal with.

He was especially keen on doing so with wide players that knew their roles inside and out in League One, and he may just turn to the Rams to find two reliable aces out on the flanks.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was made captain at Pride Park by Warne earlier this season, and while he has had a tough year in black-and-white, he was excellent during the East Midlands side's time in League One, and he may be seeking an exit this summer with John Eustace not favouring him so far.

Tom Barkhuizen is another player that may just be on his former manager's radar, with the current Derby winger out of contract in the summer. He linked up well with Mendez-Laing during his first two seasons at the club, and could be a shrewd signing with plenty of experience in the EFL.

Warne will look to make the defence at Huddersfield incredibly strong

Another feature of the Rams' promotion in 2023/24 was their strength at the back, and in just 46 games, they conceded only 37 goals as they finished second behind Portsmouth.

While Huddersfield perhaps do not have the same level of quality as Derby did then, with Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin taking charge on a weekly basis, they still do have players that will suit Warne, such as Matty Pearson, although he may delve into the transfer market if he is appointed to strengthen further.

The ex-Rotherham United boss enjoys having a solid base to play from, with those at the back starting attacks with long-range passes out to the wings, while they will also be used to head, kick and block everything that comes at them.

While not the prettiest of formulas, it is one that has proven to work on four different occasions in League One, and the Terriers may benefit from this cautious style.

Joe Taylor's pressing will be of utmost importance to Paul Warne

One major issue that Warne had while at Pride Park was his lack of a clinical number nine, and while James Collins did a good job in the third tier, for the most part he did not have the striker that he needed to do the dirty work as well as one who will find the back of the net on a regular basis.

He has that in Joe Taylor, and his pace will be of huge advantage to the 51-year-old and his style of football as he looks for quick counter-attacks.

Although he lacks the height that may be needed, his tenacity off the ball will be a huge advantage to Huddersfield next season, especially if Warne comes in and he will be hoping to ease some of the pressure after his £3m move from Luton Town in the January transfer window.

Every manager loves a clinical striker, and if Taylor can find form, he may just be the difference maker for the Terriers in 2024/25.