Welland Valley product Anderson returns to where it all began at Cobblers

Deadline day signing Paul Anderson has returned to where it all began for him as he joined the Cobblers after leaving Sky Bet League One rivals Bradford City.
Paul AndersonPaul Anderson
Paul Anderson

The 28-year-old hails from nearby Melton Mowbray, and when he was playing for local mini soccer side Welland Valley FC his potential was first spotted and the Cobblers who snapped him up to join their centre of excellence as an eight-year-old.

He didn’t stay with Northampton and ended up beginning his career on YTS forms at Hull City, before really making his way in the game, moving on to Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City, Ipswich Town and then the Bantams.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now he is back on familiar territory at Sixfields, and he can’t wait to get going - 20 years after his first association with the club.

“Northampton is not far from home for me, I am from Melton Mowbray, and I was at Northampton as an eight-year-old boy,” said Anderson.

“So this move takes me back to where I started really, and as soon as we heard they were interested we agreed our terms and made out way down here.

“I was only eight or nine and played for a local team called Welland Valley, and at the time they were a feeder team to Northampton Town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I played under a coach called David Joyner, who people may or may not have heard of, but he sadly passed away a few years back.

“He was one of the crucial people to have an influence on my career, and I know he also worked with Luke Chambers who was here a few years ago, and Karl Darlow as well I think (Newcastle United goalkeeper, who is from Northampton).

“So it is nice to come and bring back those memories, and I can now go on and play for the first team. If I can do that then I owe David a little bit of a thank you.”

Anderson joins a Cobblers team still trying to find its feet at league one level following their promotion success last season, but he believes he is joining a good and forward-thinking club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I know Northampton are trying to do things the right way, that it is a good club and ran the right way,” he said.

“I have come in and met a lot of the people and they have been very polite, although I know they are going to be because it is my first day!

“I am just looking forward to getting started and being able to do something for Northampton Town and get us up there this season, and maybe pushing for something.”

Anderson is set to make his Cobblers debut in Sunday’s Sky Sports-televised league one clash with Milton Keynes Dons at Sixfields.

He will not be eligible for the EFL Cup date with Manchester United on September 21, as he is cup tied having played for Bradford in their first round defeat at Accrington Stanley.