By Paul Fletcher

Jackson reckons a good start is crucial

The last time Peter Jackson was in charge of Huddersfield Town the team was pushing for promotion to the Premiership.

Jackson's second spell in charge of the Terriers began in June, shortly after the club's relegation to Division Three, and promises to be a very different experience.

The 42-year-old is preparing himself for a tough campaign against a host of teams plotting promotion.

"Every manager will be sat in their office now thinking that it is their season," Jackson told this website.

"We are in a very competitive division and if we are not up for it from the start teams will simply steamroller us."

With cash tight at the McAlpine, Jackson has had to operate on a tight budget, but other teams have spent heavily as they try to boost their chances of promotion.

"Hull have spent money over the last two or three years developing their side and on paper they have a very big squad," Jackson said.

We are the biggest club in the division so everybody will want to beat us Peter Jackson

"Northampton have also spent money this summer and they are having a big push for promotion, Bristol Rovers have as well.

"If you look at the teams spending money, that puts pressure on them to do well."

The Terriers boss is also wary of the threat posed by Yeovil and Doncaster, who last season won promotion from the Nationwide Conference.

"Look at Conference sides now and 50% are training full-time.

"You only have to look at the likes of Kidderminster and Rushden & Diamonds to realise that teams coming up from the Conference can do very well.

"Yeovil had great success last season and they will be a force to be reckoned with in Division Three, likewise Doncaster."

Jackson reckons his task is not made easier by Huddersfield's status as one of the biggest clubs in the division.

"We are the biggest club in the division so everybody will want to beat us on the day," said Jackson.

"My players need to be ready. All the other teams will want to beat us because of the history, the tradition and the stadium at the club."

And then there is the fear of the surprise package.

"There will be a dark horse," said Jackson.

"I could not put a name on them now but there will be a side that will take everyone by storm."

But Jackson is focusing first and foremost on his own team.

When he took over towards the end of June only a handful of players remained on the books at the club.

The Town boss has since brought in numerous players, blending youth and experience.

Sodje will bring experience to Town's promotion push

The likes of Nigeria World Cup player Efetebore Sodje, Rob Edwards and former Sheffield United defender Steve Yates add steel to the side.

Talented youngsters like former Liverpool striker Jon Newby and Tyrone Thompson provide youthful energy.

So how does Jackson think his team will fare this season?

"I'm really pleased with how things have gone but it's important the club does not get carried away," said the Terriers boss.

"The club has had two relegations in the space of four years - it is obvious that we have to steady the ship.

"I'm not going to make rash predictions that we are going to do this and that but it is crucial we start the season well, which begins against Cambridge."