HUDDERSFIELD Town owner Kevin Nagle says that criticism of the club’s recruitment policy over the past 14 months should not be aimed solely at the door of under-fire sporting director Mark Cartwright – and insists the decision-making process regarding signings is a collective responsibility which is shared.
Several of Town’s recruits during that time period have struggled with injuries since joining the club, and the League One side has suffered greatly from unavailability during a 2024-25 season in which disruption has been the dominant theme thus far.
Supporters have specifically targeted Cartwright.
On the subject, Nagle told BBC Radio Leeds before of Tuesday night’s League One loss to Wrexham: “When you look at the general industry, meaning the football/soccer sector, we certainly see more injuries now than previously. “That one is established.” I believe there is a recent published record on that topic. But, in actuality, we are looking inward to determine what it is.
“In my two years here, I’ve never seen more injuries than in the 12 years I’ve owned sports. As you can expect, I am both curious and frustrated.
“Would you want to sign players for a lot of money only to find out they aren’t available to play? So I am just as interested as everyone else.
On specific accusations of Cartwright’s role in it, he added: “I believe that is greatly exaggerated. We go through a thorough evaluation process before signing someone.
“I am part of that process. If people believe that is the case, they can blame me just as much as they can blame Mr Cartwright or anyone else, because we have a whole slew of people who look at that particular person, from character to ability to play, and on-field capabilities are right on (written) paper, including injuries. That does not challenge me at all.
Town are going through a difficult phase in their season, primarily owing to player absences, with Josh Koroma adding to their fears after being substituted in Tuesday’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Wrexham.
Supporters had unleashed their rage seven nights previously, after a humiliating 2-1 loss at Wigan, when they rounded on the team, Michael Duff, and particularly Cartwright.
After the game, Nagle tweeted on X: “Town supporters, I hear you loud and clear. Trust me.
In the context of that post, he added: “(What) I truly meant was that I saw their frustration. I can understand their frustration.
“We want change, so don’t think I’m not ignoring you. That’s what it actually meant, above all else.
“I’ll say this much. Everything is continually reviewed or reevaluated. Make no bones about it.
“It’s truly just for our fans. It meant nothing more than that. I wanted to realize that what they were saying was not being ignored.”
Town’s top-six spot appears to be jeopardized after losing their eighth consecutive home game.
Duff’s team played well against Wrexham before losing to a dubious goal in the final quarter from Steven Fletcher.
Town’s efforts were rewarded with applause at the final whistle, in stark contrast to the booing in the previous home game against Peterborough.
However, despite all of their injuries, they have yet to score a home goal this season, with their goal drought approaching ten hours.
Nagle continued, “We are a play-off team. I am not claiming we will automatically be promoted. However, we are in a playoff position.
“We need to support the club and its players. We do not need to boo them.
“Boo them if they don’t really play well in terms of not giving their all. But the reality is that we haven’t really seen that yet. The execution part hasn’t always been there. But these are players that are also sensitive. I will say this much. The manager has had one of the longest runs on record this season, and we have to remember that as well. We are also in a play-off position.”
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