Page says Cobblers ready to '˜enjoy the ride' in Sky Bet League One

The new Northampton boss is settling into the hot seat at Sixfields, but admits he is already excited at the prospect of getting going in the new season.

It’s more often the case that a new manager will take over a club on a bit of a downer and struggling a little rather than one that’s just won a league title by 13 points.

The Cobblers start life in league one aiming to extend their 24-match unbeaten run, and Page admits that coming into a club that is on such a high is a huge bonus.

“Speaking to the chairman, and listening to how ambitious he is, with the vision he has for the football club, to come into it while the club is full of confidence from the team’s point of view as well is great,” said Page.

“We are going to give it our best shot this season.

“Where that takes us we don’t know, but we are going to enjoy the ride, enjoy the experience.

“With a lot of hard work, which is what the players put in last season, and the confidence they will take from last season encourages me.”

As well as the players rising to the challenge of taking on some high profile clubs, such as Coventry City, Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, Page also wants the supporters to make the most of things.

On top of that quartet of former Premier League clubs, there is also the little matter of the return of the derby against Peterborough United, as well as matches against the likes of MK Dons and Oxford United.

“It will be great for the supporters as well,” said Page.

“They have been in league two, and they have had some great experiences over the season just gone.

“With all the games they have won, and the run that they have been on at the back end of the season has been phenomenal, but then they can look forward to the next step and league one.

“There are clubs like Bolton, Charlton, Sheffield United, some big, big clubs in this division, so it is fantastic for the supporters as well.

The Cobblers yesterday announced their first pre-season friendly of the summer.

Page’s team will take on Sky Bet Championship outfit Wolves at Sixfields on Tuesday, July 26 (ko 7.30pm).

Further friendlies will be announced in the near future.