THERE was something slightly unusual about Cobblers’ annual pre-season press day on Friday.
The team and coaching staff lined up and painted on their best smile, but someone was missing.
The man who will start the season as Cobblers No.1 was not present. Why? Because, whoever he may be, he’s yet to sign on at Sixfields.
There were two men kitted out in green (the home goalkeeper strip), but neither will be considered when Cardiff City come to town in the first round of the League Cup on August 14.
Dean Snedker was one. But the 17-year-old, though he played in the recent friendly against Derby County, putting in an accomplished showing, is considered too inexperienced for competitive action.
Shane Higgs was the other. But the first-choice stopper is ruled out for the first few months of the new campaign due to an Achilles injury sustained in training back in January.
Neal Kitson would have been there had he not apparently transformed over the summer, with boss Aidy Boothroyd saying the American ‘is not the same player and not the same person’ who helped keep the Cobblers in league two last season.
Kitson saw his contract terminated this week, meaning Boothroyd remains on the hunt for a new No.1.
The custodian may only have to fill in for the opening quarter of the season with Higgs on the recovery trail.
But the Town manager will know he has to get this decision right.
Last season five men had the dubious honour of donning the Cobblers goalkeeper jersey: Sam Walker, Higgs, Chris Weale, Matt Duke and Kitson.
It was a far from ideal situation but one which Boothroyd made the best of. Having said that, he won’t want a similar scenario unfolding this time round.
While Higgs is recovering, he’ll want a young loanee with plenty of pedigree keen to prove a point. He is unlikely to want another expensive experienced player on the wage bill.
Prodigious talent Sam Walker performed admirably last season and was a rarity - a good Gary Johnson signing.
Walker was back at Sixfields with Chelsea Under 21s recently and has clearly matured. He could develop into a very good goalkeeper and someone in his mould would be great for Cobblers.
It will be tough to get the right man, or as it may be – boy. There are few outstanding options available, but if anyone can find them it’s Boothroyd, flanked by former Premier League stopper and Cobblers goalkeeping coach Tim Flowers.
It’s a vital decision because he won’t want to get 10 games in realising he has a shrinking violet on his hands, who needs to be shipped out and replaced with another unknown.
The start to the season is vital and Cobblers desperately need to get out of the blocks quickly.
Momentum is vital. Coming back from behind is tough and starting slowly can be perilous. Just look at last season.
Boothroyd knows this. And that is why he’s taking his time over selecting the man he wants to fit into the team picture.
THE NEXT SAINT?
THERE was a buzz on social networking site Twitter as Saints fans heard their club were set to sign a new centre on Friday.
But that fervour evaporated slightly when it was James Wilson, formerly of Bourgoin who was announced as the fresh face at Franklin’s Gardens.
Wilson may not be the New Zealand player everyone wanted. He’s not Sonny Bill Williams or even Robbie Freuan, whose name has done the rounds on the messageboards.
But who had heard much about a certain other Wilson, Roger, before he joined and became one of the best No.8s in the Premiership.
Who had heard about former Calvisano powerhouse James Downey when he made his move to Northampton?
The point is, Saints boss Jim Mallinder has a habit of turning little known players into big names.
His development policy is second to none and he and Dorian West know a player when they see one.
At 28, Wilson may not be an All Black international in the making, but I reckon he’ll be more of a world beater than a panel beater.