Happy Joe Wormleighton feels the love from Cobblers fans after impressive displays
Joe Wormleighton is only two league starts into his Cobblers career and yet it feels like fans have already taken him to their hearts.
A trialist at the start of pre-season, Wormleighton impressed Kevin Nolan sufficiently to earn himself a two-year deal before the squad flew out to Spain for a week-long training camp. It was the 21-year-old’s athleticism, running and work ethic that most appealed to Nolan, and it’s those precise attributes which have quickly won him the love and admiration of his new fanbase.
After a difficult debut at Wigan on the opening day of the season, Wormleighton has bounced back impressively and produced his best performance yet against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. He wasn’t even due to start before Jack Perkins fell ill on the morning of the game, but his relentless running and infectious energy at wing-back had the Sixfields faithful on their feet.
"I'm always ready to go,” said Wormleighton. “I prepare in the exact same way whether I'm on the bench or I'm starting so I found it quite easy just to slip in and I was happy with how I played. Hopefully it's just the start and I can kick on.
"I've really enjoyed myself since I came to the club on trial. I have been a bit in and out of the team but even when I haven't played, I've still loved being around the team and in the environment. Obviously I love playing even more but I've learned so much in the last three months, ever since I came in, and I've gained a lot of new experiences. I feel I am developing well as a player and my game is improving under the gaffer and Colin (Calderwood).”
The former Leicester City youngster would, like any footballer, prefer to play every week but given his complete lack of EFL experience prior to moving to Sixfields, it was naturally going to take time for him to find his feet.
"The manager is always honest with me and I know the team can change quickly,” he added. “Unfortunately we had a few injuries and a bit of illness last week and I got my opportunity. Anything can happen and the gaffer has told me to just keep doing what I'm doing and always be ready for a chance and that's what I've done.
"We have another tough game on Saturday and I want to keep the shirt. There's some strong competition and lads will be coming back from injury but I'm just hoping to play as many minutes as possible and I'll always be ready for the opportunity.”
And any player who plays with the commitment and dedication of Wormleighton will be a hit with supporters.
"It's really nice to see the support and positive feedback from fans,” he continued. “I want this to be just the beginning for me and I want to push on and do even more for the team.
"I'd like to contribute with goals and assists and I feel there is still a lot more I can show and produce. There have been some good things but there's also a lot I can improve on and hopefully, if I do that, the fans will like me even more!”
The defeat at Wigan, where he only lasted 45 minutes, was a baptism of fire for young Wormleighton, who had only ever experienced life in the Leicester City academy before making the short trip down the M1. Gradually, though, he is acclimatising to the rough and tumble of League One life.
He added: "I think the biggest thing I've learned about League One is the importance of doing your job and knowing what you should be doing, especially from set-pieces and throw-ins. All those tiny details are so much more important at this level, but I feel, in general, the style of football suits me pretty well because I'm quite a physical player and this league is known for being physical.
“There are also a lot of good technical players and it's not too dissimilar to what I've experienced previously, but it's just the small details that make a big difference.”