Experienced striker Danny Ward marked his first start in over three months for Huddersfield Town with a valuable point against Swansea City under the management of Darren Moore. Ward, who had been sidelined for almost three months due to an Achilles injury, returned to action as a substitute in the recent 2-1 win at Sunderland. Originally expected to return against Southampton after the international break, he faced a setback due to illness rather than injury.
After a second-half appearance against Sunderland, Ward was back in the starting lineup for the 1-1 draw at Swansea City, playing 67 minutes. Despite Charlie Patino’s late equalizer denying Huddersfield maximum points, Ward expressed relief at finally being back on the pitch and is optimistic about the future.
“It has been a long time coming to get back on the pitch,” said Ward. “It seems to have taken forever, but we’re over that stage now, and I’ve got to look forward. It all seems to come at once (his illness following the injury), but I’m feeling good now and ready to go.”
During Ward’s time on the sidelines, Huddersfield underwent a change in management, with Darren Moore taking over from Neil Warnock. Ward had played under Warnock at his last three clubs and admitted the departure of the veteran manager was personally disappointing. However, he acknowledged the nature of football and the need to move on.
The team, under Moore, is currently unbeaten in three matches, securing a notable victory at Sunderland and drawing against Southampton and Swansea City. While defensive solidity has improved, scoring goals has posed a challenge, with only 10 goals in 12 games under Moore. Center-back Michal Helik is the team’s top scorer with five goals, while Ward, yet to score this season, remains focused on contributing.
Ward commented on the pressure of being a striker and the desire to get on the scoresheet: “It is obviously that weight of expectation (to score goals as a striker), but I’ve been around long enough to know that you can’t really think about that too much. As long as Micha keeps scoring goals, I think we’ll be alright.”
Despite the late equalizer against Swansea, Huddersfield remains fourth from bottom in the Championship. Ward highlighted the importance of consecutive wins, especially with the busy Christmas schedule approaching. He cited Middlesbrough as an example of a team turning their season around with a string of positive results, emphasizing the opportunity to climb the table with a couple of good results in the upcoming festive fixtures.
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