Cobblers in talks to keep key defensive duo at Sixfields

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder has confirmed he is in talks with the parent clubs of Shaun Brisley and Darnell Furlong as he bids to keep the defensive duo at Sixfields.
Darnell Furlong and Shaun Brisley have been a big hit at Cobblers (picture: Sharon Lucey)Darnell Furlong and Shaun Brisley have been a big hit at Cobblers (picture: Sharon Lucey)
Darnell Furlong and Shaun Brisley have been a big hit at Cobblers (picture: Sharon Lucey)

Brisley, who is a Peterborough United centre-back, and QPR right-back Furlong have both been a big hit since joining on one-month loan deals last month.

Cobblers have not lost a game since recruiting the pair, with Wilder’s men currently unbeaten in five matches.

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But their stay at Sixfields is set to come to an end after Saturday’s home game against Hartlepool United.

And Wilder said: “Both have played a big part in our set of results and we are speaking to both respective clubs.

“I’m sure the boys have enjoyed their period here and we’d like that to continue.

“Both are at different parts of their career but as every player wants to do, they want to play first-team football.

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“I’m sure they’ve enjoyed their time here and if we can extend it, we will try to do that.”

Cobblers had only won one of their previous six games before Brisley and Furlong arrived to bolster the back-line.

And Wilder said: “They’ve played a part.

“Darnell played in QPR’s first team at Hull and against Arsenal so they expect him to go well and have a career. We knew a bit about him.

“Shaun’s obviously played at Championship, League One and League Two so we knew a little bit more about him through coming up against him.

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“You always hope your loan signings are successful and, touch wood, they have been so far. Hopefully they’ll continue to be.”

And it seems that if it is left to the players to decide, they will definitely want to stay at Sixfields for a longer period, with Furlong already expressing his desire to remain at Town.

When asked last week if he’d be interested in prolonging his period at the Cobblers, Furlong replied: “Yes, definitely.

“It’s not fully my decision and I have to listen to what Northampton and QPR say, but it’d be great to stay for a bit longer.

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“It feels very real being out here. Sometimes playing for the under-21s can feel a bit put on and it’s not about the result, instead it’s about learning and developing, but here it’s just about the three points, winning and climbing the table and that’s what I’m learning.

“I like to get forward when I can but I realise that now I’m in a proper league and playing for three points, I can’t just go bombing on all the time like I usually would in a youth-team game so I’ve got to be a bit more sensible and disciplined but that’s why I’m here – to learn things like that.

“I’m pleased with my contribution so far but I’ve got to keep doing what I’m doing and keep working hard.”