Cobblers boss Page happy to give youth a chance as he waits on new signings

Despite having made six signings already this summer, Page has several times noted the need to bolster his options further ahead of next month’s Sky Bet League One opener against Fleetwood Town, especially in attacking areas, and he confirmed on Tuesday that he’s hopeful of announcing more signings shortly.

The loss of creative duo Nicky Adams and Ricky Holmes, two of Town’s most productive players last season, has left the squad short of an attacking spark, while captain Marc Richards, recent recruit Alex Revell and 23-year-old Sam Hoskins are the club’s only recognised strikers.

Page said: “There will be some additions that will come into the club because we’re three or four bodies short at the minute, but like I’ve always said, they’ve got to be the right type of people.

“We’ll be looking to add to the squad and within the next week or so we’ll have some new faces.”

In the meantime, Page will continue to give game-time to Northampton’s youth team players, such as Jamie Hall and Joe Iaciofano, who has caught the eye in both pre-season games so far, instead of signing players on trial.

“We could get trialists in but when you’ve got young kids, I’d rather use them,” confirmed Page.

“They’ve got a lot to learn but we played a central midfielder wide right and played a left winger at left-back on Tuesday and that’s great experience for them.

“It’s not about the end result in these games, it’s about giving them the experience to come in and adapt to different formations.

“I’d rather promote from within our youth set up and give them that experience.”

The Cobblers, who are still on their training camp at Loughborough University, continue their pre-season build up with a friendly at Brackley Town on Saturday (ko 3pm).