The Cobblers boss has snapped up a central midfielder already this summer in 21-year-old Abdul Osman, but Gray admits he is looking to perhaps bring in an older head to help guide what is a youthful squad.

New striker Leon Constantine is the Cobblers' oldest player at 30, while a large bulk of the squad is still in their teens or early 20s.

Gray is happy to give youngsters their chance, but it could be the Town squad is simply too young.

"I may still have to look at the experience side of things, and maybe bring in a holding player, someone with a voice and a leader because you have to have leaders," said Gray.

"The most important thing at the moment is that we keep Chris Doig fit, he is looking good in training, and he is a real leader.

"We may also look at the loan market as well. You need experience, but you also have to have that energy and enthusiasm and probably that no-fear factor."

The Cobblers are now six days into their pre-season programme, and Gray is delighted with how the players have responded. But he has warned them there is still plenty more work to be done.

"It may sound cheap, but the lads are working hard and running hard," said the Town boss.

"I have said to them we need to be one of the fittest teams in the league because of the way I want us to play, and the tempo I want us to play at."