Five big takeaways from the first two games of the season - and reasons to be optimistic

There have already been some clear signs of what Chris Hogg is trying to build, with a distinct style of play and a number of promising early signs – but there are also areas that clearly need work. Town began the campaign with a 0-0 draw against Swindon before suffering a 1-0 defeat at Crewe.

So, what can we take from those first two matches? Here are five early takeaways from Hogg’s first few weeks in charge...

They’re trying to play good football

It has been evident right from the early stages of pre-season that this is going to be a very different Cobblers team than we’ve been used to. Building from the back, playing through the thirds and looking to keep possession are not traits often associated with recent Town sides, but that’s changing. There have been some lovely moments so far where Cobblers have sliced through their opposition with clever movement and quick passing. They still go direct at times too. It is early days and we will see how things progress but the style of play so far has been a refreshing change.

They’re very well coached

The first objective for any new manager is to put their stamp on the team and Hogg has certainly done that. Regardless of their exact formation on paper, Cobblers roughly look the same in most games - a sort of 3-4-3 in possession with Janoi Donacien tucking in and James Maxwell pushing forward, and a 4-4-2 out of possession with Connor Evans pressing up alongside Matty Warhurst. Every player has a clearly defined role in the team and they all know where they should be and when, in and out of possession. Being well-coached does not guarantee success because ultimately it all comes down to what happens in both boxes, but it does give you a solid platform to control games and a method to create chances, which is half the battle.

They are creating chances... just not good ones (yet)

Town comfortably out-shot Swindon (9-4) and Crewe (15-6) and could easily have scored in both games. Logan Briggs and Harvey Saunders went close on the opening day before Hogg’s men twice hit the woodwork at Gresty Road. Crewe goalkeeper Tom Booth also made six saves (admittedly most were routine). The next step is to turn these moments into clear-cut opportunities. Their xG from the two games (0.8 and 0.7) show they are not creating big chances and that’s largely been down to poor decision-making and wayward passing/crossing in the final third.

Shift in recruitment policy

It’s become apparent this summer that the club are looking to take a slightly different approach in the transfer market. Three players, two of whom are 21 and 19, have been signed on three-year deals, and so far only two loan spots have been utilised. It looks like a more long-term policy where the idea is to recruit talented players at the start of their careers, develop them to the benefit of both the club and the player, and then potentially sell them for a decent fee in the future. This is easier said than done though and requires patience and an understanding that immediate success is unlikely, which brings me to my next point...

There is no quick fix

You can't lose 12 games in a row, sign a load of new players and then expect everything to be hunky dory straightaway. It is going to take time, especially with a coach like Hogg who is building for the long-term. Eight summer signings started against Crewe and another one came off the bench. In a way, it’s impressive that they look as cohesive as they do. With more time and more matches together things should only improve. There’s a hint of anxiety among supporters, understandably, but this is a new manager and essentially a new team. The key is to give them time and see where this young team, clearly looking to play attractive, free-flowing football, can go.