Logan Briggs: It was a dream to walk out at Sixfields as a Cobbler
It might have been nothing more than a pre-season friendly but walking out at Sixfields as a home player was still the realisation of a childhood dream for Logan Briggs.
Born and raised in Northampton, the 21-year-old attacker joined Cobblers on a season-long loan from Leicester City earlier this month. He played the second half against his parent club last week and was then part of the starting XI for Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Coventry.
"It was a great experience,” said Briggs. “Even just coming out to warm-up, I’ve lived around here for most of my life and as a kid I dreamed of playing at this ground so to finally do it, it was such a good feeling.
"I thought all of the lads put in a really good shift. We worked our socks off. They’re obviously a strong side so to hold them to a goalless draw is good effort from us.
"The gaffer has really focused on the out out of possession side of it in the first few weeks of pre-season and I feel like we have done that very well. It’s about staying compact, owning the middle of the pitch, and it’s nice to keep a clean sheet because that’s reward for the work we’ve put in.”
Briggs’ role in the friendlies against Coventry and Southend has been clear – he’s played on the left out of possession and then tucked inside when Cobblers have the ball.
"Left midfield is probably my preferred position but in possession I come inside a bit,” he explained. “It suits me on and off the ball. I pick up those pockets when we have the ball and then we don’t have it, I like to be on the left side and win tackles on the outside.
"It really suits me and that was a big part of my decision to come here in terms of speaking to the manager and where and how he sees my playing.”
One of six summer signings to have joined the club so far, Briggs was grateful for last week’s trip to St George’s Park as an opportunity to get to know his new team-mates.
"It was a lot of hard work and a lot of banter with the lads,” added the Wales Under-21 international. "It was really good for team building and the training was enjoyable as well. It feels like we have come more together as a group and I think we feel better and fitter and ready for the season to start.
"As a new lad, my first loan, I didn’t know what to expect but I can’t thank the lads enough because they’ve made me feel so welcome and I feel a big part of the group already. It’s different being in a senior squad but it’s good and it’s what I wanted. Nothing can prepare you for it but I feel I’ve started quite well and I’m excited to carry on and go into the season.
"We’re a tight-knit group and I think that’s showing on the pitch as well because we’re working hard for each other and to take that from off the pitch to on it is really important.”