Curle's vision helped sway Bolger to sign for Cobblers

Centre-back Cian Bolger says several conversations with manager Keith Curle convinced him to sign for the Cobblers.

The 28-year-old has put pen to paper on an initial one-year deal with Northampton after joining on a free transfer from League One rivals Lincoln City last Friday.

He will also skipper the team this season following Charlie Goode’s departure, with Nicky Adams remaining as club captain.

“I’m delighted to get the deal sorted,” said Bolger “It’s dragged on a bit and it’s been going on for a while but I’m really happy to get into the building.

“I had conversations with the manager before I signed. We sat down and he explained to me how the team works, how they play and how they operate on and off the pitch and everything has a whole was very exciting and something I wanted to be part of.

“He also explained what he wanted from me and that we’re looking to build on the momentum from last season. The club’s going in the right direction so it felt a good fit all-round.

“It’s been a mad 48 hours or so but I’m really pleased to be here now and to have played my first game for the club.”

Bolger got his first flavour of playing for the Cobblers when managing an hour of Saturday's pre-season friendly win over Leyton Orient.

“I thought we looked quite good,” he added. “It was only our first proper friendly so the lads did well and we were pretty solid but it’s all about getting minutes in the legs.

“It was a good, competitive game and that’s what you want because it gives you good preparation going into the season.

“We’ve now got a date that we can work towards. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of hard work between now and then but we’ll be raring to go come the first game of the season.”