Versatile Marshall prepared to play wherever Curle sees fit

The 32-year-old was released by Gillingham two days before putting pen to paper on a contract until the end of the season with Northampton, who beat several rivals to his signature, including at least two clubs in Sky Bet League One.

Cobblers are currently playing without wingers as Curle sticks with 3-5-2 so Marshall might have to fit in at wing-back or up front, but he’s ready to do just that.

“I love playing football but no matter how old you are, you’ve got to be prepared to learn,” he said.

“Wherever the manager sees me fitting in, that’s important. I always feel like if you have a player, whether it’s me or someone else, and they’re doing well, whatever position they’re playing, you’re going to set the team up to help that individual.

“The manager might see it fit to play me up front or he might play me at wing-back but it’s about gaining more knowledge from what he teaches me and hopefully he can get the best out of me wherever he puts me.

“Predominantly I am a winger but I have played up front and I have played in the number 10 role and I’ve also played at wing-back and in the diamond.

“But you can only get coached so hopefully I can give my best for the team in whichever position he sees me playing in an attacking sense, although it’s also a given you’ve got to work hard for your team.”

Marshall has his work cut out to establish himself as a regular given Town’s terrific form of late but he feels his attributes can offer the team something different.

“I want to bring something else to the table,” he added.

“The boys are flying at the moment so I know it’s going to be hard work to get in the team but I’ll come in, get my head down and work hard and try and help the boys.

“I like to excite, I like to take on players and I want to get bums off seats. Hopefully everything goes to plan and the fans will see that.”

Marshall is joining the Cobblers at a good time as they chase a top seven berth in Sky Bet League Two, and he says the prospect of winning promotion was part of the attraction.

“I think promotion is the aim and that should be on the cards,” he continued.

“Given the recent form, the confidence among the squad should be quite high. I think it’s four wins in the last six (before Derby) and I’ve always felt if you can average two points a game, you’re well on your way to being in the play-offs at least.

“They’ve been averaging more than that over the last few months so for me it’s about trying to get more wins, with a few draws here and there. If we do that, we’ll be right in the mix.

“I feel we’re on course for where the club wants to go. I don’t want to jinx it but the club’s in a good place and the manager’s got the boys going.

“Everyone’s buying into what he’s brought to the club and hopefully I can add something myself and help the team.”

And the PTS Academy Stadium is a familiar place for the former Charlton and Bradford man, who was part of the Coventry team that played at the ground in 2014.

“It’s been about six years since Coventry played at the ground,” he added. “When we used to come here it was a little bit strange to go from Coventry to Northampton to play home games.

“But the atmosphere was always good and hopefully I can get a feel for the home fans whenever I get a chance at home and if I get an opportunity to play, I want to get bums off seats and do well, for myself and for the team.”