Cobblers boss Wilder delighted to capture defensive leader Buchanan

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder (right) and assistant Alan Knill worked with new Town signing David Buchanan (below) when at Bury

The 29-year-old has joined the Cobblers following his release from the Sky Bet League One play-off winners.

Buchanan becomes the third signing of the summer following on from the arrivals of Alfie Potter and Nicky Adams, and Wilder is delighted to get his man.

“David is a really good signing. His attitude is great, he wants to win,” said Wilder.

“He is a determined, tenacious full-back, who wants to keep the ball out of the back of net.

“He is an organiser, is experienced, has played at a great level, played 30-odd games for Preston last season in a team that was in and around the top of league one, and that’s a very good club, and a very strong squad.

“He played a part in their promotion, even though at the back end of their season he didn’t play, but we are delighted to get him on board.”

Potter and Adams were signed to boost the attacking strength of the squad, but the capture of Buchanan is all about the other end of the pitch.

He has played almost 400 senior matches for Bury, Hamilton Academical, Tranmere Rovers and Preston, and worked under both Wilder and Knill during his spell at Gigg Lane.

“We know a bit about David, from when I was assistant manager and Alan Knill was manager at Bury, and we know exactly what he is like,” said Wilder.

“I think we have captured a really good, solid player that we need at the back.

“It’s oviously been an area that we needed to strengthen and improve, we need players with defensive qualities, with a defensive mindset that want to keep the ball out of the back of the net, and this boy will do that.

“Whether that’s having to organise himself or organise people around him, or the team, he will do that because he wants to win, wants to be successful, and I am delighted to capture him.”

And he added: “We have to improve our defensive record, we feel that with David in and around the team he will certainly do that.

“He’s not afraid, and he’s not frightened to say things, even if that means upsetting people.

“He has come here to win games of football, and to be part of a team that is hopefully going to win a big chunk of games.”