Wilder set to go down young goalkeeper route following Duke release

Duke was one of seven players released by Town on Monday, and Wilder says he is now looking to sign a young shot-stopper, either on a permanent deal, or on loan from a Premier League club.

The 37-year-old has been released while Wilder has yet to make a decision on whether or not he will be re-signing Shwan Jalal, and the manager said: “Matt has had a really good career, but we are going down the younger route.

“We may go and get a young goalkeeper on a season-long loan from a Premier League club, and I know the club took that option a couple of years ago (with Lee Nicholls) and had a lot of success with it, and it is something that appeals to me.

“We may also go and sign a young goalkeeper we can build a team around as well, so they are our two options.”

Wilder has been pleased with Duke’s contribution to the team during his time at club, but feels the player is at an age where he needs to be playing every week, and he won’t get that opportunity at Sixfields.

“Matt wants to play first-team football, he wants and needs regular first-team football and I have had conversations and discussions with him regarding that,” said Wilder.

“I can’t guarantee him that here, and he goes with our best wishes.

“I have known Matt a long time, and he has done well for us this season, but we are taking a longer-term view.”

And expanding on his goalkeeper plans, Wilder continued: “I was very impressed with what Jordan Archer did for us, and I look through the leagues and there are a number of young goalkeepers that have done well.

“I think there are a lot of young goalkeepers in the Premier League that are third or fourth choice, and clubs are looking to get them out on loan so they can get some experience.”

Duke leaves the Cobblers having made 91 appearances for the club after joining from Bradford City.