Summer signing Taylor proving a big hit on and off the pitch at Sixfields

The former Bolton Wanderers, Portsmouth and West Ham United man was something of a surprise signing when he joined the Cobblers, just a few weeks after helping Burnley win promotion to the Premier League.

The 34-year-old has not only brought a wealth of experience to Sixfields, but also a touch of class on the pitch, something that was highlighted with his top quality free-kick strike that proved to be the winner in the Cobblers 3-2 Sky Bet League One victory over Milton Keynes Dons on Sunday.

And it’s fair to say Buchanan is a fan.

“Matty Taylor is a great character, who has been a top pro and played at the top level,” said the Town left-back.

“His technical ability is there for everybody to see, and his free-kick on Sunday was right out of the top drawer. There’s not many players can do that, and you can’t teach it.

“Matty has worked on that all through his career, and he is just great to have around the place.

“He is always smiling, he is always there to talk to, he is a leader in the dressing room and he is a great addition.

“I can’t sing his praises highly enough since he has come in.

“He has worked hard, he has helped everybody out and he is performing well on the pitch, which is the main thing.”

Sunday’s win over MK was the Cobblers’ first in the league this season, and it was something of a relief for everybody as it followed on from five straight draws.

“It was brilliant to get back on the winning trail, and the way we did it as well,” said Buchanan.

“I thought the first half an hour was very good from ourselves, the way we set up, and we knew the way MK Dons were going to play because it’s the way they always do.

“They like to get the ball down and knock it about, but we set up to try and pressurise them, take the ball off them in good areas and set traps, and we did that.

“We also took our goals really well.”

The one down side to the day and performance was the fact the Cobblers conceded twice, the first one - a free header from Dean Bowditch just before half-time - allowing the visitors back into the game.

Samir Carruthers scored their second right at the death, but again it was down to a defensive lapse, and Buchanan feels they are mistakes that can be eradicated.

“You don’t want to concede goals. As defenders we get paid to keep clean sheets and for the majority of the season we have been really solid,” said the former Preston North End man.

“The goals were avoidable on Sunday and that is the biggest thing, because we can work on that.”