interview with Andy Holdsworth
Zak Armitage, Feature Writer
Twitter: @ZakSportWriter
“We would run through brick walls for each other!”
A true Huddersfield Town legend, academy graduate Andy Holdsworth was one of a handful of young players that stepped up to the first team when the club needed them so much back in 2003.
Establishing himself in the first team the now 37-year-old would go on to make over 230 appearances for Town between 2003 and 2009 establishing himself as the club’s first-choice right-back over this period.
I was fortunate to catch up with Andy recently, who was more than happy to recollect on his spell with Town, from his first-team breakthrough to that famous cup tie at Chelsea and his departure in 2009.
On making the step up
A product of the Huddersfield Town academy, Holdsworth was one of a handful of young players called up to the first team by Peter ‘Jacko’ Jackson in 2003, a period in which financial troubles threatened the future of Huddersfield Town Football Club. He looked back on making that step up.
“The step was easy as there were quite a few of the young lads at the time that did the same, it was like our youth team from the previous years and we had experienced players in there to guide us. There was no pressure on us we were told to just go and play.”
On the debut season promotion
A truly remarkable achievement, Jacko and the young team guided Town to a return to what’s now known as League One at the first time of asking in the 2003/4 season, Holdsworth explained just how much of an achievement that was.
“A fantastic achievement by all. Not just the playing staff but everyone within the football club, from where we were to where we got in 9 months was remarkable but when you have team sprit and staff who believe in you, you give everything.”
On the class of 2003
As mentioned above, Town started the 2003/4 season with a depleted squad, relying on the local homegrown players of the academy. Holdsworth explained just how much of an advantage it was being so close with your teammates.
“Massively, we had played with each other for a number of years so we’re all close mates who would do stuff away from the pitch as well, we would run through brick walls for each other too.”
On the trips to Chelsea
Holdsworth was also part of both Town sides that would make trips to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the FA Cup in 2006 and 2008. He talked about the experience and the shirt swaps.
“Fortunately I faced them twice, 1st time (particularly) was a great experience against the World’s best team and the World’s best manager (Mourinho) at the time. I was lucky enough to get (Frank) Lampard’s shirt the 2nd time and Joe Cole’s the first.
On the winner against Leeds
The most special goal of Holdsworth’s time with Town and arguably the highlight came towards the end of the 2007-8 season as he netted the winning goal late on to snatch a win over fierce rivals Leeds United. He reflected on that goal and the exciting period at Town around that time with a certain Dean Hoyle taking over as Chairman.
“The Club had just been taken over by Dean (Hoyle) we had interim manager’s in Graham Mitchell and Gerry Murphy, it was like a new dawn. It’s always good to beat Leeds but there was just something about that game that gave the fans a buzz and direction.”
”Having spoken about it before and knowing friends and family that support Leeds and celebrating right in front of them was as you mentioned a highlight of my career and something I’ll never forget.”
On his departure in 2009
In 2009 Holdsworth departed Town after 6 years in the first team, making some truly wonderful memories in the process. He explained how the departure came about.
“It’s always disappointing to leave something or somewhere we’re you’ve been most of your footballing life, I just felt I needed a change, I’d been there since I was 11 and I’d seen lots of close friends leave and a lot of managers come and go. With it being a short career I needed that change and to work in a different environment.”
On Danny Schofield and Jon Worthington being apart of the coaching team
Two of Andy’s teammates during his spell with Town (Danny Schofield and Jon Worthington) are current members of the coaching team at Town, Holdsworth revealed he always saw them going into coaching.
“Yeah definitely, lads I was and still am really close to. Worthy had the captain material about him where lads respected him, we actually started our coaching badges together at Oldham, myself and Schoey still speak a couple of times a week, I actually took him to Barnsley part-time coaching when I worked Full-time to work with the u14’s. Two great lads who love developing players.”
What he’s up to now
An excellent coach himself, Holdsworth is currently in a reputable role at fellow Yorkshire outfit Sheffield Wednesday, as their Development Phase Manager. He explained how much he was enjoying his role there, and the task he faces.
“I’m really enjoying it, it’s a massive football club with the emphasis on trying to get acadamy products within the first team. We’ve had a successful few years with numerous debuts being made so that’s pleasing.”
A fan favourite and a key member of Jacko’s side that stepped up from the academy when they were needed most, it’s great to see that Andy has such enthusiasm and love for his time with Town. It was a real privilege to ask him some questions about his time with the Terriers.
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