Notts County’s Jon Stead says he has nothing to prove on his return to Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield-born Stead makes his return to the John Smith’s Stadium as he looks to plot County’s passage into the next round of the Capital One cup at the expense of his boyhood club.

Stead played a key role in the Terriers’ promotion from League Two during the 2003/04 season, scoring 16 league goals before he moved to Premier League side Blackburn Rovers in the January transfer window.

Stead returned to the club he loves for a more forgettable spell as he played just 19 times, scoring twice, between 2013 and 2015.

But Stead, who memorably celebrated Huddersfield’s 2004 promotion with his former team-mates on the Millenium Stadium pitch, says he has nothing more to prove.

“When I’ve been at so many clubs these things crop up more and more often. It’s a fantastic occasion for the club, he said.

“It’s a chance to play on a bigger stage. For me going back to Huddersfield is nice.

“I was there as a lad. It was a disappointing spell going back second time, but that can happen in football.

“I’m looking forward to it but it’s about us trying to progress.

“I’m a Huddersfield lad. I live up there. I was a ball boy and came through the youth system.

“I love the club and always will but that goes out the window when I’m on the pitch against them. I’m sure everyone in the stands will understand that.

“I don’t think you want to prove anything (to Huddersfield’s fans). Any educated fan will know I’ve had a half decent career.

“I’ve not left any club on bad terms. That’s why I’ve never been horrendously booed when I go back to a club and that’s because I’ve conducted myself in the right way.

“I’ve had a lot of clubs but every move I’ve made has been for football reasons, to play as much as I can.

“It’s a busy week, sandwiched in between two big league games.

“I still get the same buzz. I feel like more of a leader and you don’t appreciate that as a young player.

“I’m loving football and feel blessed with what we do.”

Notts County kicked off their promotion campaign successfully with a 2-0 win at Stevenage, while Huddersfield were beaten 2-0 at Hull City.