The first Open Forum of the new season took place on Wednesday 2nd August - Guest speakers were the Management team of John Gorman, Jim Barron & Ian Sampson
For those supporters who were unable to make the meeting, a brief round up can be found below;
Have we signed a striker yet?
JG: “Everyone wants a striker at the moment and we have been working very hard to bring a player of the right calibre in to the club. We have been in talks with Southampton over a striker but they have decided they do not want to let him out. We were close to signing Craig Davies but in the end he decided to go to Wolves who were able to pay what was quite a hefty loan fee.”
The Cobblers boss then announced the impending arrival of striker James Quinn.
How is Fred Murray doing?
IS: “He is not doing too bad. He had another small operation last week to try and remove the infection from his Achilles. It is a slow process but we are hoping to have him back soon and we think Christmas time is a realistic target. It has been hell for him to be out 15 months but he is a smashing lad and he has the full support of the staff.”
Who will be captain this season?
JG: “At this time we do not have an appointed captain. The armband is up for grabs. Sean Dyche is a great leader and I have been very impressed with his qualities. Ian Taylor was skipper last Saturday and we are having a look at one or two other lads. There is no immediate rush to name a skipper and I like to have a number of captains on the pitch, whoever wears the armband. We will make a decision long term in the next few weeks. At Wycombe I made a young lad called Roger Johnson skipper and the responsibility really helped develop him as a player and there are a number of young players who could also get the job.”
Who do you think will win League One this season and who will be our toughest opponents?
JG: “Nottingham Forest will be the favourites because of the money they have and the squad they have at their disposal. To be honest I have not looked too far in to it but we will take every game as it comes. It’s a cliché but it’s true.”
What are the positions of Jim Barron and Ian Sampson?
JG: “When I came here I had a very long list of staff who wanted to come here and work with us. Jim Barron is not just a goalkeeping coach, he is a very experienced coach who is of benefit to all of the players. Ian Sampson helped me out when I first came and he impressed me with his knowledge, attitude and passion for the club. I like my staff to have the club at heart and Sammo certainly has that. He just wanted to help and I think he deserves his chance to work with the first team. He is also a very good link between the youth players and the first team squad. Both Jim and Sammo have the title of first team coach.”
Do you enjoy coaching as much as playing?
IS: “It’s great to be in the dug out with Jim and the Gaffer but nothing beats playing. What I do now is the next best thing but I had the best 10 years of my life playing for this club.”
How has pre-season gone?
JG: “We used our experience to keep injuries to a minimum in pre-season and the credit for that must go to the coaching and medical staff. We will improve as a team and we need time to improve but I know we will and although people might not think results went well I think we did enough right in terms of preparation.”
The Cobblers boss then thanked the supporters for their attendance and for the warm welcome they had afforded him, Jim Barron and Ian Sampson since taking up their new roles.
Kind regards
Gareth Willsher
Head of Media
Northampton Town Football Club
