Where do Cobblers still need to strengthen in the final two days of the window?
Like most managers, Chris Hogg keeps his cards close to his chest when it comes to the specifics of recruitment. If you ask him where he’d like to strengthen, he would not narrow it down to one position.
There is some truth to that. Cobblers are undergoing a major revamp after last season and it can’t all be done in one window, as Hogg himself has acklowedged. In an ideal world, he’d go even further with his squad rebuild but there’s only so much that can be done in one summer.
However, there is still time to do business before the window shuts and Hogg confirmed after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Gillingham that he’s hoping to bring in one or two more players.
Here are three areas we think might be the priority before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline...
Left side of defence
This covers both left centre-half and full-back, where Cobblers look light. James Maxwell is the only out-and-out left-back in the squad and Jon Guthrie is the only left-footed centre-back. Jack Perkins, who’s currently injured, and Janoi Donacien could fill in for Maxwell if needed but both prefer to play elsewhere. Given the schedule and the challenges of competing over a 46-game season, Hogg would surely like more depth in this area of the pitch.
Right wing
Cobblers have tried various players in this position. Kamarai Swyer started first game of the season at Leicester, Joe Wormleighton played a slightly deeper role against Swindon, and then Harvey Saunders was in the team at Crewe, before Wormleighton returned on Saturday, only to be replaced by Sam Hoskins inside 30 minutes. It suggests Hogg is still not convinced by any one player in that right-sided role. Could another player come in before the window?
Central midfield
Cobblers do have enough bodies in this position given Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh and Connor Evans can both play deeper but if Hogg wants them further forward, and if no left-back comes in, meaning Perkins might have to play there, they do seem short. Liam Shaw remains out for several weeks and Perkins has also joined the treatment room. It’s probably not a priority and it would be no disaster if another midfielder doesn’t come in, but it might be a nice bonus.