Character is key as Page sizes up potential Cobblers signings

Page is currently working on signing new players to bolster the 17-man squad he already has at his disposal, and has made it clear that a player’s character and work ethic is just as important to him as ability.

And he also keen to bring in players that will provide longevity for the Cobblers.

Asked if he aims to bring in young or experienced players, Page said: “It has to be right for the football club.

“I don’t want to just bring players in for tomorrow, we are bringing them in for next season, and the season after. That’s what we have in mind.

“I’m not saying we won’t sign any senior players if they are fit and have worked after themselves, and for me it is about the character as a whole.

“It’s not just seeing a good player, it’s seeing how he conducts himself, how he wears the jersey he is playing for, how he deals with himself on a daily basis and trains.

“Those are important factors for me in what I see in a player from a work ethic point of view.

“It’s not just about ‘can he play?’ It’s about other attributes he has as well, and that is something we think is important bringing them into our football club.”

Page has made one signing to date, bringing in Coventry City right-back Aaron Phillips, and has also seen Nicky Adams depart the club for Carlisle United, while Danny Rose turned down a new deal to join Portsmouth.

The Town boss admits the pair played a crucial part in the Cobblers’ success last season, but said it was their choice to move on and that he was happy to allow them to go.

“They were key last year of course, and they are two good players,” said Page.

“We have come up a division, and I can’t promise that everybody is going to play, so if it means that I can help support the players and go out and ply their trade on a weekly basis.

“Both players have gone back down to league two and I wish them all the best with that.

“It is an important stage now with this recruitment and we have got to get it right, so we don’t want to rush into anything.

“We do want to add quality. What the team did last season was outstanding, so we don’t want to disrupt too much.

“But when you have a squad and there is a couple of players that would like to move on, then of course I am going to support that.”