Manager Wilder planning long-term loans to bolster Cobblers squad

A few months ago it was believed FIFA were going to scrap the loan system, which is what triggered the talk of a development squad being set up at Sixfields.

But world football’s governing body have backed down and now said the loan system can stay as it is for one more season, which means clubs at least have longer to get their development squads together .

Wilder says he again intends to make use of the loan market, but is not a fan of the short-term, quick-fix loan deals.

“I think we’ll maybe have one or two long-term loan signings,” said the Cobblers boss, who last summer brought in Danny Alfei from Swansea City and Kaid Mohamed from Port Vale on long-term loans, and has already revealed he is considering a season-long loan for a goalkeeper.

“There was a lot of talk about the loan system being scrapped, but that hasn’t happened.

“I am not a lover of short-term loans, and if we are going to sign anybody on loan it will be a season-to-season agreement, or a windwow-to-window, which will mean August to January.

“I’m a big believer that when loan players come in they are part of the group, and are not just here to play a few games and shoot back.”

Wilder was forced to utilise the short-term loan market at various points last season, with the likes of Ollie Banks coming in from Chesterfield, Stewart Murdoch from Fleetwood, Enda Stevens from Aston Villa and Ryan Watson from Leicester City, whose stay may have been longer term had he not suffered an injury.

“Sometimes you have to do use shorter-term loans because of injuries, but on the whole I am more of a six-month, 12-month loan-signing manager, “ said Wilder.

“That means the players can really integrate themselves into the football club, into people around the club and the players.”