Buchanan's pride at starting 100 games in a row for Cobblers

The left-back hasn’t missed a single match since he signed for the club from Preston North End in the summer of 2015, and prior to Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Port Vale he was presented with a framed Cobblers shirt boasting ‘Buchanan 100’ on the back.

It is a remarkable achievement for a player to make 100 starts in a row, and Buchanan was also made skipper for the night, with Marc Richards giving up the armband.

“It was a real pleasure to captain the side and I’m very thankful to the skipper for passing the armband on,” said Buchanan.

“If I’m being honest it wasn’t something I really wanted because I just wanted to concentrate on the game.

“People say it’s not just another game but to me it is. I’m a team player and the team comes first and I wanted Rico to be the captain, but I’m really thankful to him and the manager.

“I’ve had a cake, I’ve had flowers and chocolates and all the messages have been overwhelming and this is why I love this football club.

“Since I signed I’ve been welcomed by everyone here and all the various managers have played me and the fans have backed me since I walked through the doors.

“I like to think every time I walk out onto the pitch I’ve paid them back.

“I just love being here. I get along with all the staff and I always try to make myself welcome and chat to the staff on a regular basis and I’m just enjoying my time here.

“To lead the team out and to win on my 100th consecutive start feels unbelievable and a fantastic achievement.”

The fact the Cobblers also claimed three points on Buchanan’s big night also delighted the player.

“The most important thing was to get the three points with the position that we’re in and where Port Vale are as well,” said the 30-year-old.

“That was the main thing. It was a really tough game but we ground out three points.

“Sometimes you don’t play as well as you should do. It’s always nice to put on a performance at Sixfields but we didn’t really do that.

“We’ve played better than that and got beat but it was all about the three points.

“We’ve got to deal with their goal better. We’ve got to stop it at source but it is what it is and I’m just going to focus on the character we showed to get back into the game.

“That’s really good and really important and since the new gaffer’s come in our mentality has been a lot better.”

Buchanan and the Cobblers’ focus now switches to Saturday and the trip to third-placed Bolton Wanderers.

“It’s a massive game,” admitted the Toiwn left-back. “If you go and get a result at Bolton I think you’re doing well.

“If you finish above them you’re going to get promoted. Them and Sheffield United are running away with it at the moment.”