New signing Steve Guinan said he is very excited about what next season may hold, and he can't wait to get going.

"The club as a whole appealed to me," he said when asked why he put pen to paper on a move to Sixfields.

"I nearly signed here 10 years ago when Ian Atkins was manager but the deal never happened. I know Stuart Gray has a fantastic reputation as a manager and when you put all those factors together it all fell into place, and I wouldn't be here if I didn't think the club would get straight back into League One.

"I have had a good time at Hereford and won player of the year this year after scoring a lot of goals but we could not agree on a new contract there and so we move on and that's football. I am here now and looking to do well.

"I scored a lot of goals in a team that went down last year, and in my last two seasons in League 2 I have won promotion so I know what it takes to get out of this Division. I know what it is all about and if I can add some experience to the squad then that is my intention.

"I thought Northampton were safe last season after beating Hereford at Sixfields but it didn't work out. Having said that, there is a good nucleus of players here and I have no doubt we can bounce straight back up.

"I know there are more new players on the way and that will add to the squad. You need to have a good squad of players to get promoted and I know Stuart Gray is close to bringing more players in.

"I am hoping my knowledge of League 2 will be a big help to the Gaffer and the players. You need strength and power in this league and hopefully I can help with that, and can help link up the play which is one of my main attributes.

"I started 42 games last season and feel as fit as ever. I feel great and I want to keep playing successfully as long as I can. I feel fresh, fit and strong and I feel I can do a job.

"I haven't played with Adebayo Akinfenwa before but you know he will be a massive handful in League 2. I know some of the other lads here are good players and I am excited about next season and can't wait to get started."