Transfers key factor in case for and against Huddersfield Town chances of another promotion tilt

As Dean Hoyle has pointed out, Town have successfully rebounded from disappointment in the play-off final before, coming back stronger after their 2011 loss to Peterborough to earn promotion to the Championship via Wembley the following year. Brentford and Aston Villa have both been able to do likewise over the past few years, too.

The three pillars of Huddersfield Town’s excellent campaign last season were an incredible amount of hard work, a really good defence and a superb record on set pieces – and there is practically reason to believe any of those things are going to go away.

Sorba Thomas has signed a new long-term deal and will keep those dead balls going into the box; Town have already proved they can cope just fine without Levi Colwill despite his obvious talents; and the work ethic of the current squad and coaching staff is in no doubt whatsoever.

They still have the best goalkeeper in the league in Lee Nicholls, while Matty Pearson and Tom Lees barely put a foot wrong last season and Town are currently well-stocked on full-back options in Pipa, Ollie Turton, Harry Toffolo and Josh Ruffels – with Thomas and Aaron Rowe capable of playing wing-back if need be, too.

As it stands the only significant loss to their attacking ranks is Danel Sinani, who had plenty of games where his contribution was limited, and even if Lewis O’Brien were to get a Premier League transfer, the fee Town would receive for him would allow them to sign new recruits who might allow Carlos Corberan to get a develop a new approach to the side’s build-up play.

There are only really three positions that look like they need a signing at present: central midfield, left wing and centre-forward. Of those three, only midfield really looks in