It's Round and It's White
Northampton Town have been at the centre of a flurry of transfer activity this summer after avoiding relegation last season. Clive Platt joins former manager Aidy Bothroyd from Coventry City with expectations seemingly pinned on Bothroyd’s preference for large strikers and long ball tactics.
It’s Round and It’s White got to grips with the new look Northampton team with Cobblers supporter Daniel Martin (@BSCobbler).
How did last season measure up, compared to your expectations?
It was a complete disaster, I thought with a complete overhaul of the squad would do the trick but, it just made things completely worse. I really thought it was going to be a promotion year but, it was the complete opposite. Never want that to happen again to my club.
What do you think of your club’s summer transfer activity, are there more arrivals/exits on the horizon?
I think that Northampton have done an excellent job in the transfer market bringing in extremely quick players such as Chris Hackett and Alex Nicholls. The likes of David Artell, and Clive Platt bring the experience needed in any side. As its a a smaller squad than last year which has better quality players, I expect there will be quite a few loans this coming season if someone gets injured.
I’m not sure on exits, maybe one or two will go out on loan but as its a very small squad I don’t think there will be many.
Northampton did lose one of the talents of the league, Michael Jacobs, who was sold to Derby for an undisclosed fee. That’s the only disappointment of the summer as I thought Northampton could have got more money for him.
What would be a dream new season for you?
Just to get off to a good start and not having to start winning in January like Northampton like last season.
What would be your worst nightmare?
It nearly happened last season getting relegated out of the league. I don’t what that to happen at all.
Who will be your most important player/s this season?
I think the signings of Clive Platt and David Artell are a crucial part of the team. I was really surprised when I first saw Clive Platt, he looks a real force in preseason and hopefully will play a major part in the team.
Also the signing of David Artell was a necessary as there needed to be an experienced centre back in the team.
He looks like he could do the business.
Any players you would happily see the back of?
No not really, I have only seen a few pre-season games and a cup game and everyone looked good.
Do you have the best manager for the job?
Yes definitely. Aidy Boothroyd did a remarkable job just to keep Northampton in League 2 last season. Northampton were certain of getting relegated of most of last season but, he eventually got Northampton out of trouble.
His interviews after each game are always basically what I think as well about the game. He speaks his mind and always speaks the truth. Always like that with any manager.
Opposition players that you respect?
Stuart Beavon for Wycombe. I think he is an excellent striker and also admire Billy Kee from Burton Albion. Had an awful injury last season and I am sure he will recover well.
Opposition players that you despise?
Danny Jackman who is a former Northampton player playing for Gillingham. Always get the boos when he plays against Northampton at Sixfields. He was Northampton’s player of the season twice and decided to leave for no reason.
Best away fans/ground in your league?
The best away fans in the league have to be Plymouth. Not just for how far they have to travel for most away games and the noise they made last year at Sixfields was incredible. By far the best ground in the league is Bradford.
Which teams do you really want to beat this season?
Local rivals Oxford. The closest that Northampton have to a derby game.
Finally, where do you honestly think you will finish?
Hopefully in the top half.
Northampton fans, do you agree or disagree with Daniel’s comments? Why not sign up and have your say in the comments section below?
