It'll take more than one window to build the 'ideal squad' - Hogg
Chris Hogg says it will take more than one transfer window to build the ‘ideal squad’ in response to questions about the team’s lack of a physical presence up front during Tuesday’s defeat to Tranmere.
Matty Warhurst, who has demonstrated good movement and instincts in the penalty box, and Nathan Opoku, a quicker, nippier style striker, were signed as the main forward options in the summer.
However, while both offer certain qualities, neither are especially physical and that became apparent on Tuesday night, particularly in the second half when Tranmere put men behind the ball and resolutely defended their penalty box.
"We have competition in the squad but we've only had one window and we changed 13 players,” said Hogg. “It'll take more than one window to build the ideal squad and in a game like Tuesday you do need different qualities.
"We had a couple of number nines play in the game who have different qualities but even without that profile, you can still cause a bit more chaos with how you put the ball in the box and where you have your numbers.
"We have to work with what we've got but the quality is in the group. There are signs that it is starting to come out, we just need it to come out a bit quicker and capitalise on the moments we are creating.”
Cobblers were excellent for 35 minutes on Tuesday, their intensity and energy pinned Tranmere back for large spells, but chances went begging and once behind, they struggled to break down the away side’s disciplined and compact defence.
Hogg added: "They ended up with six or seven on their back-line and you have to try and create a bit of chaos in their box. You're not going to score the perfect goal against that but you need to use width and have a bit of quality at the key moments.
"The execution and last action and the intent to keep running in behind is important. We have to stick with our principles because some of it was good. Ultimately, we've got to be better and I've got to be better to make sure we get results and build belief within the group.
“We’ve got a long way to go. Mindset is everything and we have to build more of a winning mindset and keep taking the right steps in terms of performances. It's about staying calm and staying level but you also need a steely mindset. We know we have to win and win quickly.”