Cobblers boss Keith Curle was delighted with the squad’s training camp in Spain as he builds up to the home pre-season fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday (Tuesday) and Sheffield United (Saturday).
“The facilities in Spain were fantastic and we were extremely well looked after,” he said.
“The most important thing that has come out of the week is the focus of the group, when we were working we were working hard and when we were resting the players were resting correctly.
“There is a positive professional thread throughout the dressing room and that is really pleasing to see.
“We wanted to play good opposition in pre-season because we feel that focuses the mind right from day one.
“We want that team ethic where we need to be organised, we need to be disciplined and we need to know our roles and responsibilities without possession. If there is one chink in your armour good teams will punish you. I could have chosen opposition that would have been easier to play but that wouldn't be doing us any favours.
“We are really looking forward to these two home games and it’s a great opportunity for the supporters to familiarise themselves with the players. We’ve got some good characters who I’m sure will endeer themselves to the supporters and they all know their role not just within the football club but within the community as well.”