Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has revealed his club were interested in signing Huddersfield Town forward Joe Taylor last summer. The admission comes ahead of a key League One showdown between the promotion rivals at the Accu Stadium this Saturday. Town's 23-year-old striker has been in electric form, scoring five goals in just seven appearances this season to become the club's top scorer and earn a recent call-up to the Wales national squad. Huddersfield currently sit third in the standings with 15 points from eight games, one point and one place above their weekend opponents.
Pedersen was asked directly about the summer links to Taylor ahead of the fixture. "One of many possibilities, yeah," the Wednesday boss said, acknowledging the interest. He was full of praise for the Terriers' style, describing them as a physically strong team who are also very strong on the ball. Pedersen expects a tough, combative match where second balls, pressing, and individual duels will be decisive.
Promotion race heats up
This match represents a significant early test in the promotion race. Huddersfield entered the season with high expectations and have been among the pace-setters, now just one point behind league leaders Plymouth. Their recent form has been strong, with back-to-back wins including a 5-0 demolition of Rochdale last time out. Wednesday, meanwhile, have a perfect away record with three consecutive 2-1 victories, though they have drawn their last two home games 0-0. The full fixtures list shows Huddersfield's next match after this is a trip to face Lincoln City.
Pedersen described his side's away successes as 'culture wins' but admitted their top level has not been high enough in recent weeks. With both teams so closely matched in the standings, Saturday's encounter is poised to be a physical battle. Huddersfield will look to continue their strong home form and extend their winning run, with the in-form Joe Taylor central to their plans. The match kicks off at the Accu Stadium on Saturday afternoon, a contest that could have lasting implications for the stats and narratives of both clubs' seasons.
This story first appeared at The Star
