Wilder backing Potter to match Holmes impact at Northampton

Holmes was a huge hit with the Northampton fans following his January transfer switch from Portsmouth, where he had fallen out of favour with then manager Andy Awford.

The tricky winger was one of the team’s standout performers in the second half of the season, scoring five goals, and Wilder is hoping Potter can enjoy a similar upturn in fortunes when he turns out in claret and white.

The Cobblers manager also revealed that he did consider signing Potter in January before opting to take Holmes, with Potter instead leaving Oxford United for AFC Wimbledon.

And Wilder is delighted to now have both players on board at Sixfields.

“We did look at Alfie in January, and he was an option, but we took Ricky,” said Wilder.

“And if we can do with Alfie what we did with Ricky, that would be great.

“Ricky was in a team in which he wasn’t really enjoying his football, and was struggling for a bit of consistency.

“He needed to come to a team that trusted him and wanted him to go and play.

“I look at Alfie as having been in a very similar situation and as a comparison to Ricky.

“Everybody has seen what Ricky can do, and if we can do anywhere near the same with Alfie then we have an exciting player.”

Potter echoed his manager’s comments, and admits he would be happy if he can match Holmes’ form for the Cobblers.

“Ricky Holmes was player of the year at Portsmouth, so it was a bit of a surprise when they let him go and join Northampton,” said the 26-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal with the Cobblers.

“Since January I have kept an eye on the Northampton games and the Northampton results, and I thought they were going to nick a place in the play-offs.

“But since the turn of the year I think they’ve been one of the better teams in the league and I couldn’t wait to get this move sorted.

“If I can do what Ricky has done since he came here then that will be ideal for me.”