Brackley Town turn to youth as promising defender joins from Northampton Town

Tomlinson, just 20 years of age, has spent the past few seasons developing amongst the Cobblers’ youth ranks and enjoying brief spells out on loan in non-league.

The central defender, who can also play at right-back if required, made nine competitive senior appearances for Northampton - all in the EFL Trophy - and scored one goal.

During short-term loans at Needham Market, Leamington and most recently Bedford Town, Tomlinson has already racked up 45 appearances in the National League North.

Eager to continue his progression in the sixth tier, Tomlinson believes the short trip down the A43 makes perfect sense at this early stage in his career.

“I’ve been at Northampton Town since I was 13 and had a few loans along the way, so it’s great to be here at Brackley and I’m really excited to get going,” Tomlinson said.

“After speaking to Andy Whing, it quickly became an easy decision. We had some really good conversations.

“From everyone I spoke to about the club, I only heard positive things. I was champing at the bit to get everything sorted.”

As a physical centre-half with a great leap, Tomlinson likes getting stuck into the defensive side of the game – but he’s also astute at playing out from the back.

Manager Whing is elated to secure Tomlinson’s services and he hopes the youngster can flourish in the ambitious project getting underway at St James.

“We’re delighted to welcome Josh to the football club,” Whing said.

“We’ve been aware of Josh for a while now and he had a very good loan move in this division, which is important.

“He’s a centre-half who’s very good in one-v-one situations and in the air. We believe Josh will only get better and improve in our style of play.

“We’re looking forward to working with him.”

Tomlinson becomes Brackley’s sixth new addition, following the recent arrivals of Leamington midfielder Ewan Williams and AFC Fylde right-back Kieran Coates.

Now up to eight first-team players, Whing - working alongside recruitment staff Joe Taylor and Gareth Dean - will be eager to bring more fresh faces through the door soon.