Aidy Boothroyd accepts striker Clive Platt is not currently a favourite of the Cobblers supporters, but says the striker is a big hit with his fellow players and the club’s management.
And the Town boss insists Platt is not at the club as a replacement for Adebayo Akinfenwa, and instead feels he will help bring out the best in the leading goalscorer.
Platt has received criticism for some sections of the club’s support for a perceived lack of effort but played a key part in the FA Cup first-round tie at Bradford City on Tuesday, scoring a late equaliser and playing the full two hours.
“I think people think he has come here to take the place of Bayo and he hasn’t,” he said. “He’s come here from a club a division higher and has taken a cut in wages because he wants to be part of something and finish his career on a high.
“He’s the sort of guy that plays injured, he’s a real leader in the dressing room, he can play alongside Bayo and I like to have people on their toes.
“It takes players time to settle but I think he’s a fantastic player. In the horrible winter months when you need people to stand up and be counted, and be good in both boxes, he’s absolutely magnificent.
“If you ask anybody that plays alongside him, they love playing with him.
“He might not be the fans’ favourite but he’s certainly a manager’s favourite and he’s certainly a player’s favourite.”
“I lot of people who watch football tend to like the little ones who run around a lot. But in most cases those players are running around and that’s really all they are actually doing.
The primary reason for bringing Platt to the club over the summer was the striker’s unselfish play, and although he admits he has yet to produce the best of that, he is confident he can enjoy a glorious Sixfields conclusion to his career.
“As long as I feel like I’ve done my bit for the team then I’m happy,” said Platt.
“Can I say I’ve done that in every game? Possibly not but I’ll start doing more than I won’t.
“I’ve always been a team player, I’ve always had the right attitude and more than anything I want this team to be successful.
“I want to be part of a team that goes on to do things in the league this season.
“We have made mistakes but the commitment in training of these lads is second to none.
“Sometimes those mistakes cost us points but we are still learning as a team and I’m confident we can do something in the league this year.”
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