Boothroyd admits Cobblers are not yet ready for the new season

The club remain in the market for another centre-forward despite signing former Newcastle United teenager JJ Hooper on a one-year deal this week.

Boothroyd also yesterday signed central midfielder Gary Deegan on a one-year contract, while right-back Kevin Amankwaah could be offered terms.

But the Town boss will also continue to run the rule over former Hull winger Danny Emerton and Kieron Cadogan, who scored at Corby on Wednesday night, and both should get game time against Stoke City’s development squad on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

“Kieron Cadogan and Danny Emerton will spend the next week or so with us so we can have a good look at them,” he said. “I thought they did well at Corby and they will stay with us for a few more days

“I am delighted to have tied up Gary Deegan and we need a right back. Kevin Amankwaah has done well there so he is in with a chance and we need a front man as well and that is a key one.

“I want a number of front men challenging for a place, and they will be Clive Platt, Roy O’Donovan and one other, backed up by JJ Hooper and David Moyo.”

Should Amankwaah sign, the final piece of the puzzle will be a striker and - as things stand - the manager concedes the squad is not fully formed.

“We are not ready for the season yet,” he said.

“We are in a good position as a club. There are a lot of players out of contract and we can take our time, be fussy and we can pick and choose a bit more. We have more choice than we have had in previous years.

“I want us to be faster and more mobile this season and I think we have been in pre-season. We will have a small squad but it will be a squad of quality and that is the way I have chosen to go.”

One player who will not be filling the striker berth in the immediate future is Liam Dickinson.

The former Southend forward was on trial at Sixfields but injured his hamstring in the defeat to Peterborough United and remains on the sidelines.

“Liam Dickinson will be out with his injury for a few weeks,” confirmed Boothroyd.

“We have said to his agent to call us when Liam is fit but we have also said we may well have moved on by then.

“It is unfortunate for Liam and we wish him well.”