Hogg: Where 'highly technical' O'Brien-Whitmarsh will play for Cobblers
Chris Hogg is excited by Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s ‘quality and technical ability’ and says the summer signing from Southampton can play in a variety of midfield positions.
The 21-year-old Dublin-born midfielder was confirmed as Northampton’s ninth summer addition when joining in a permanent deal from Southampton on Monday. He’s signed a three-year deal and will provide Hogg with more options and depth in central areas.
"Joe is a highly technical player," said Hogg. "He can play either as a six or a ten in midfield and he will add quality and technical ability to the group of central midfielders we have.
“He has had an excellent grounding and has had experience of the level with a loan spell at Accrington but he now feels it's time to go out and step into senior men's football on a permanent basis.
"He plays centrally, he plays on the front foot, always looking to play forward and he can create. He has a rhythm to his play and he is exciting to watch.
"This is a good deal for the club. Not only is his signing extra competition in the central midfield area here and now, it is a good signing for the club for the future too. As with Matty Warhurst's signing, we are planning and looking for players who can help impact and improve the squad here and now but who also have the potential to grow and develop further in the future and Joe is a very good addition for us.
"He was at the game on Saturday and he liked what he saw of the club. There was other interest in him but we have managed to get the deal over the line and that's very good news."