Wormleighton says Cobblers fans are yet to see the best of him
Cobblers wing-back Joe Wormleighton is determined to improve the attacking side of his game after a strong start to the 2026/27 season.
The 22-year-old has started seven of Northampton’s eight league games so far - he only made eight starts in the whole of last season in what was an injury-disrupted first campaign at Sixfields.
"Having a run in the team really helps with performances and consistency and I’ve really enjoyed playing in this system,” said the former Leicester youngster. "I’ve been getting up and down the pitch, and ultimately the main thing for me is staying fit – that was my first target coming into this season.
"I had a couple of injuries last season, which is not something I’ve really experienced in my career before, so I’ve done everything I can just to stay out there on the pitch and give my all to the team.”
Wormleighton’s infectious energy up and down the right flank has won him the admiration of supporters during his 15 months at Sixfields, but often deployed as a wing-back in Chris Hogg’s current system, he knows he needs to bring more quality.
He added: "The energy levels has been one of the most pleasing things about my performances but I still think there’s a lot more to give, especially going forward in terms of crosses and chipping in with goals and assists.
"There’s definitely more to come from me on that because, as a wing-back, you’re as much an attacker as you are a defender and I really do want to get my numbers up and create more chances.
"I know I’m capable of that but I just need to keep grinding, keep training hard and keep improving my fitness so I can be fresh and ready to perform on the pitch.
"A lot of my game is getting up and down the pitch but it can be quite tiring so when I get in the final third, I might put in a poor cross because I’m a bit tired. But that’s something I need to work on and I’m sure it will come the more I play.”
After showing signs of promise at York on Saturday, Cobblers need to back it up when they go to Grimsby Town on Saturday. The Mariners are enduring their own struggles at present following three straight defeats.
"The feeling is really positive within the group and the lads have trained well this week,” continued Wormleighton. "The confidence is high after Saturday, we were happy with our performance against York but we’re not happy with the result, we want to start winning games and that’ll be our aim this weekend.”