Former Newcastle United and Arsenal youngsters join Cobblers training camp

GOOD START - Aidy Boothroyd was pleased with the first day of the Cobblers' pre-season training

Aidy Boothroyd says the Cobblers squad have come back ‘in good shape’ for their first day of pre-season training.

The Town squad were put through their paces by the coaching staff on day one of their camp in Croatia, and the reports from the manager are all positive.

“We have had a good start to the trip,” said Boothroyd, who has taken three trialists to Croatia as part of his squad.

“We will be training three or four times every day and what is already clear is that the lads have been returned to work in good shape.

“Some of the boys are starting work at 6.30am each morning, some are starting at 7.15am and on the first day everyone was ready, on time and we started promptly. Not only is that good discipline, but it means no fines had to be imposed!

“I am really pleased and encouraged so far, both with the level of fitness and with the attitude of the players and their willingness to work very hard.

“As we know from last year, the facilities are excellent, the staff here are very helpful and it has been a good start to the week.”

Nigerian-born former West Brom and Bury striker Lateef Elford-Alliyu, JJ Hooper (formerly of Newcastle United) and Nigel Oldfield Spence-Neita, who is available after being released by Arsenal, are all with the Cobblers in Croatia.