Buchanan happy to go back to work with straight talking Wilder and Knill

The 29-year-old has worked with the pair previously at Bury, although roles were reversed at Gigg Lane where Knill was the boss and Wilder the assistant.

But they made a big impression on a young Buchanan, and the chance to work with them again went a long way towards persuading the player a move to Sixfields was right for him following his release from Preston last week.

Asked what it is about Wilder and Knill that impresses him, Buchanan said: “I like the way they are, and they bounce off each other.

“They are easy to talk to, and they give you straight answers.

“If you’ve been rubbish they tell you, and the same if you’ve been doing well.

“That is all you need, because you need honesty from people.”

And it’s not just the straight talking that Buchanan remembers, he also rates Knill in particular as a coach.

He says the Cobblers assistant boss made him a better player in his time at Gigg Lane, and he is convinced he can do the same again.

“On the training ground, I worked with Alan at Bury when I was younger, and he improved me as a player, and that’s what I want,” said Buchanan, who worked under Knill at Bury for three seasons.

“I am still improving, I am 29 now and I am experienced with a lot of games under my belt, but I want to improve, and hopefully I can do that here.”

Buchanan turned 29 earlier this month, and has played just under 400 senior games for Bury, Hamilton, Tranmere and Preston.

He has packed a lot of action into his career since making his debut as an 18-year-old for the Shakers, but he feels he is in his prime and he is promising the Cobblers supporters total commitment.

“I feel as good as I have ever felt,” said Buchanan. “I am always naturally fit anyway, and I work hard on and off the training ground.

“I think what the fans will get from me every time I walk out on to that pitch with a Northampton shirt on, I will give nothing less than 100 per cent.”