After sorting out his own future on Thursday, the Huddersfield coach, Paul Anderson, is aiming to take the club to the next level. Anderson, who has signed a two-year contract extension, steered the Giants to their first major trophy in 81 years in 2013 when they finished top of Super League, his first season in charge. However, Huddersfield have endured a lean period since then and Anderson believes it is time to bring more trophies to a club who are slowly establishing themselves as a force in Super League.
“The discussions have taken a little bit of time if I’m being honest, but I’ve no intention of walking away from here,” he said. “I believe in what this club is about and what we’re trying to achieve. It’s a good place to be and we’ve got a good group of players.
“There will always be comings and goings in the squad – that’s just life – but we’ve got a great club led by a brilliant chairman from the top and he’s got some good things that he wants to do for this place, and I want to be part of it.
“We managed to get a piece of silverware in 2013 and we’ve been steadily consistent since then.
“I think it’s time for us to kick on again. We’re crying out for success and I want to lead that. I want my own piece of history where I can say I helped to bring some real glory to this club.”
Anderson has followed a number of key players in committing his future to the club and he believes that stability could be key. “We’ve got some real stability here. Danny Brough [the captain] is on a long-term deal, as is Brett [Ferres, the vice-captain] and we’re trying to re-sign people we’ve got here also. Then add in some of the signings we’re making and it’s very exciting. There’s still work to do but we’re confident in what we’re capable of in the years to come.”
After a sluggish start, Huddersfield are now handily placed to challenge come the end of the season. Their spot in the top four will be further solidified if they beat Wigan on Sunday – they would move to within a point of the third-placed Warriors.
For Anderson, it is the start of a crucial run of fixtures that could determine the direction of their season. “Wigan hit some form at the weekend [in beating Leeds 27-12]. They’ve shown what can happen in a week. If you look at the way they improved against Leeds, it was purely down to attitude and that’s got to be the key for us when we approach this one.
“We’ve a big month; we’ve Wigan, Warrington and Widnes, then there’s a week off followed by Hull KR at home. This is a telling period because we’re playing the teams around us.”
