Marc Richards on working with Jon Brady and his own managerial aspirations

Cobblers first-team coach Marc Richards admits there are times when he has to 'rein in' manager Jon Brady

Brady was often a passionate and animated figure on the touchline during his stint as caretaker manager over the second half of Town's League One campaign..

Richards had first-hand experience of that emotion having also worked in the dugout, but he says it's only the result Brady's love for the club and desire to be successful.

Speaking about his role as first-team coach and his relationship with Brady, Richards said: "I really want to get my teeth into it. I never expected it to come around this quickly but, in saying that, I'm ready for the opportunity and I'm so excited for it.

"I know Jon well as a person and as a coach and it has been a whirlwind at times because you see the passion and the excitement that Jon brings to the table. Having worked with him over the last 12 months, I need to rein him in at times!

"He can get a little bit excited but that's just who he is and ultimately he wants the club to do well and he wants the players to do well.

"For me, it's not so much about keeping him under control but maybe at times taking a backseat and letting the players do what they can and helping Jon to control his emotions because he's so excitable and he's so involved with the games.

"He can get a little bit carried away but that's just his nature and how passionate he is."

Richards, who had two spells at the Cobblers as a player, will continue work alongside Brady and Ian Sampson, both of whom also have a strong affinity with the club.

"It's really important to have people who are connected to the club," continued Richards. "I don't think many clubs in any league will have a connection like we do so I think we're lucky and we should appreciate what the club have done.

"We've brought in players and coaches who have worked at the club for a number of years and they know exactly what the club is about - that makes for strong foundations for the future."

Richards may one day follow Brady into management, but for now he's only focussed on the short-term.

He added: "How long's a piece of string?! I'm only a year into full-time coaching. I did part-time with the U18s for six months and then I came into the first-team with Jon in February.

"It's certainly something that has caught my eye and now I've got my teeth into it, I really feel it's the next best thing and it is something that really excites me.

"I like to get my hands dirty and I would like to get involved with the academy, as I have done in the past. I did that for three or four years and having coached with the U18s on a part-time basis, it's something I really look forward to now and I can see myself doing it long-term."