Holmes will use his experience to teach Cobblers 'a thing or two'

Ricky Holmes plans to use all of his experience and teach the Cobblers a 'thing or two' after warning that 'nice people don't always win football matches' following his return to the club.

Town manager Keith Curle has admitted himself that his side perhaps need to be more 'streetwise' after they were outwitted by the likes of Hull City and Charlton Athletic in recent games.

Having played for some big clubs during his career, including Sheffield United and Portsmouth, Holmes believes he can help on that front and pass on his experience to the younger players.

"The dressing room is brilliant and I think the gaffer says that every week," said Holmes. "But the only thing is that nice people don't always win football matches and you've sometimes got to have that horrible streak in your game.

"I'll try and get round the young lads and teach them a thing or two, me and Shees (Alan Sheehan) have already been in the changing room before we signed, but when you're training and you haven't signed, you can't say too much.

"You feel it would be a bit out of place but now I've signed I'll definitely go in there and pass on my experience and show them what it takes to win football matches. They've got the ability in there but sometimes it's that naivety and you need that game management and that's something I will definitely bring to the club."

Speaking before his second Cobblers debut against MK Dons, Holmes admitted he simply couldn't wait to get back playing again after nearly two years without a game.

"It's been a long time coming! There's been a lot of hard graft but we got there in the end," he added. "I'm raring to go now.

"It's been years since I played so let's not moan if I fall over the ball a couple of times! But I'm itching to go and games are coming thick and fast now. I'm eager to get out there and showcase what I can do."