What Huddersfield Town star Lee Nicholls says about Darren Moore and the summer transfer ‘noise’

When it comes to free transfer signings, Lee Nicholls has proven himself to be one of the best players Huddersfield Town have produced this century. The goalkeeper played a key role in his first year at the club, playing a key role in the Terriers reaching the Championship play-off final.

Shoulder surgery reduced Nicholls’s involvement last season, but he returned to action at the end of the campaign to help Town stay out of trouble. He still appeared in 28 matches in the tournament and achieved a series of impressive performances.

Given his high standards, Nicholls made some uncharacteristic errors that led to goals at the start of the 2023/24 season. His error-strewn performance prompted then-boss Neil Warnock to suggest that Nicholls may have been distracted by faint whispers during the summer transfer window. Several Premier League clubs are looking for a new goalkeeper.

Is Nicholls confused by the transfer talk? “In the end it (speculation) is just noise,” he said. “I know there was some news about it and stuff like that, but there was nothing. “Everything is kept in-house and everything is done behind closed doors. Just like that, you move forward and I’m happy to be back in the game, playing well and helping my teammates win points.

After a difficult start, Nicholls has returned to his best form. He made vital saves against West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City to help Town pick up valuable points along the way.

New manager Darren Moore labeled Nicholls “one of the best goalkeepers” in the division after performing well again in Saturday’s thrilling draw at Ipswich Town. Nicholls told Yorkshire Live:
“I didn’t know he said that, but it’s nice to hear things like that from anyone, especially a manager who picks the team and works with you every day. It’s very flattering.

“I go out and work hard every day, if people want to say that then I’m happy.

“I’m here to do my job, work hard and give my all for the football club.

Moore will arrive at Birmingham City this evening, still searching for his first win since replacing Warnock in the managerial hot seat. Successive draws with Coventry City and Ipswich gave Moore and Town something to build on.

About Moore, Nicholls said:
“He was very comfortable. He prepared us very well. You could see there was more to come. We didn’t spend much time on the training ground because of the games we played. “It was exciting. It was tough for the boys as a team from Warnock because we did well, but I’m proud of the boys and the way we stayed together. We kept going do your job.

It was embarrassing for the coach to come, but he came and made a big impression on the boys. He has impressed everyone around the club. I’m looking forward to spending a little more time on the training ground so he can share his ideas with us.”

The affable Liverpudlian said he was “really happy” with his form, but added:
“There are still some things I need to take care of.

“Adriano (Basso, Town’s goalkeeping coach) and I have been talking and together we will try to take my game to the next level. I want to help the team win games. I can’t help but complain about my current position.” .”

Nicholls has worked under four different goalkeeping coaches since arriving here.