Kevin Nagle defended for what he's just done at Huddersfield Town - 'I can't fault his intent' | OneFootball

FLW's Huddersfield Town fan pundit has given his reaction to owner Kevin Nagle's social media statement in which he criticised the club's season.

Huddersfield Town are facing a third consecutive season in League One after missing out on the play-off places.

Huddersfield began the season as one of the title favourites after a busy summer of transfer activity, but an inconsistent first half of the season resulted in the sacking of Lee Grant in January, despite his side sitting sixth in the table at the time.

Liam Manning was appointed as Grant's replacement, but the 40-year-old was granted compassionate leave in March, with Martin Drury and Jon Stead taking charge until the end of the season.

Having conceded stoppage time goals on multiple occasions under Drury and Stead, the Terriers' play-off hopes were ended earlier this month following another late collapse in the 3-3 draw with Bolton Wanderers, and their season reached a new low as they were beaten 4-1 by Mansfield Town at the Accu Stadium on Saturday.

The defeat to the Stags prompted Huddersfield owner Kevin Nagle to release a statement on social media in which he slammed what he described as an "absolutely unacceptable" performance in an "incredibly disappointing" season, and he urged supporters to "blame" him after another underwhelming campaign.

Nagle promised that he would "work day and night" to "get it right" during pre-season, pledging to be "smart" and "tactical" with recruitment after spending "a ton of money" in previous years, and while he admitted he did not have a "magic wand" to help fix the club's problems, he insisted that he would "die trying".

Reaction given to Kevin Nagle's bold Huddersfield Town comments

When asked for his thoughts on Nagle's statement, FLW's Huddersfield Town fan pundit, Graeme Rayner, praised the American for taking accountability for the club's poor season, but he questioned whether the Terriers chief will be able to deliver the success he has promised.

"I thought Kevin Nagle's statement hit a lot of nails squarely on the head," Graeme told FLW.

"Everything he said is what a lot of Huddersfield Town fans are thinking about the way we need to play, the mistakes we've made and the things we need to put right.

"He certainly seems to understand the situation, which is the first step in putting it right.

"It's a huge summer, though.

"I think his message is designed to give people confidence that he intends to put it right.

"I certainly think what it will do is give people confidence that he's going to try and put it right, but whether or not people have confidence in the current infrastructure at the club to deliver on that is hugely up for debate after a couple of very disappointing seasons.

"When I read it, I agreed with most of it, if not all of it, but now let's see.

"The proof will be in the pudding, as they say, and it's a huge summer.

"Lots of changes are needed, there are decisions to make.

"Will Liam Manning return from his compassionate leave? Will it be somebody else at the wheel? A lot of Town fans suspect it will.

"Recruitment and moving people on will be huge as well, and playing to a style that is both successful and entertaining.

"We haven't really had much in the way of entertainment or success this season, we've had a few highlights, but not many.

"It is a huge summer, but that statement was a good start, and part of me really admires him for putting it out because a lot of chairmen and owners wouldn't do that, so I can't fault his intent."

Kevin Nagle facing crucial Huddersfield Town summer as fan pressure builds

While Huddersfield were arguably already in decline prior to Nagle's arrival, he has overseen three consecutive seasons of underachievement since his takeover, and frustration is increasing among the Terriers fanbase.

In fairness to Nagle, he has invested heavily in the squad during his reign, but while there is no doubt about his commitment to the club, he has made plenty of questionable managerial decisions, with Manning the sixth permanent boss to take charge under his ownership.

It remains to be seen whether Manning will return to the club after his compassionate leave, but whoever is in charge of Town, a significant overhaul of the squad is needed this summer, and Nagle will need to bring in players with the right mentality and character to help the club challenge for promotion next season.