Utility man Spillane not ‘top of the list’ for Cobblers boss Boothroyd

The Jersey-born utility player was understood to be close to joining the Town squad for their pre-season training camp in Croatia, for which they leave England on Sunday afternoon.

That deal may now have stalled but Boothroyd has confessed to an interest in Spillane, who has been released by the Southend United at the end of his contract with the club.

“It’s weird because a lot of the players that are popping up are ones that I’ve worked with as kids, and I had Michael in the youth team at Norwich,” he said.

“He’s played central midfield, he’s played right-back and he’s played centre-back, which helps but he’s not top of my list.

“What I’m finding is that if I spread my net wide then I’m going to miss out on the ones I really want but I like Michael, he’s a good player and I think he’d be a good addition to anybody’s squad.

“I wouldn’t say that he’d be right at the top of my list.”

Northampton are in the market for another central midfielder following the departures of Ben Harding and Luke Guttridge, but the club have ruled out a move for former Shrewsbury schemer Matt Richards.

One player Boothroyd does like the look of is John-Joe O’Toole, with whom he worked at both Watford and Colchester United, although he admits the 24-year-old may be out of his price range.

“I like John-Joe and I think he’s got a lot to offer but I think he’ll have a lot of other offers,” said the Cobblers boss.

“He is a good player and he’s played in the championship so he might be a little bit too much for us.

“I do like him and he would certainly add to our squad but he’s not a priority for me.

“We will be bringing in other fresh faces but I don’t think he’ll be one of them.”