Cobblers boss Wilder expecting lull in signing activity

Four players have arrived at Northampton in the past two weeks, with Alfie Potter, Nicky Adams, David Buchanan and Josh Lelan all putting pen to paper.

Wilder is working hard to bring in the extra five or six players he wants to bring his squad up to strength, but admits it may be a quiet week or so ahead.

That’s because he is having to be patient as he waits to discover if transfer-listed pair Chris Hackett and John-Joe O’Toole can find themselves new clubs.

If they do, then their wages will be freed up to spend on other players, if they don’t, then Wilder knows he will have to cut his cloth accordingly.

“There is still a lot of movement under the surface on certain things,” said the Cobblers boss.

“We are still looking at getting the numbers up to 20 or 21, and we are up to 14 with the two other boys (Danny Clifton and Sam Warburton) floating about, so there won’t be a massive influx of players.

“We are still working on filling those spots that we need to.

“We need to bring in two goalkeepers, and I am still looking to bring a left-footed centre-half in.

“We are looking to add a little bit of competition in the middle of the park, and maybe one up the top of the pitch as well.

“But it might mean we have to be patient and wait on what happens to John-Joe and Chris, as that might free some money up.

“We are going to have to do some wheeling and dealing, but those two players know what the situation is, and know they are not part of the plans here.

“They need to go and find themselves another club if they want to play regular football.”

Wilder is unaware of any definite interest in the pair as yet, but said talks had been held with their agents, where the club’s stance was made pretty clear.

But the Town manager also accepts that, as they are both under contract, they don’t have to rush anything.

“We have spoken to their agents and it is early days, as it is when we are speaking to players,” said Wilder.

“But it’s especially early for players who have clubs, as they have the luxury that they are still under contract.

“Some players out of contract like to get things tied up early because there are a lot of players out there on the free transfer market.

“But Chris and John-Joe have contracts, so they can pick and choose a little bit.

“We have been on to their agents, and their agents know the position we are in, and ultimately the boys want to play football.

“The ball is now in their court.”