Gray demands more from midfield

Gray's return to former club Southampton ended in a 2-0 loss

Northampton Town manager Stuart Gray says that his side's midfielders must make more of a contribution.

The Cobblers have so far drawn 0-0 with Macclesfield in League Two, and lost 2-0 to Southampton in the Carling Cup.

"We lost Giles Coke [to Motherwell], who was a goal scoring midfielder," Gray told BBC Radio Northampton.

"Danny Jackman and Luke Guttridge are out with knee injuries. We've just to get on with it, and our midfielders have got to do an all-round job."

Danny Jackman handed in a written transfer request last week that was rejected by the club.

"We've had a bid from a League One club for Jackman that wasn't acceptable. It's an embarrassing bid for someone of Danny's quality, and we won't be bullied into selling him. Fingers crossed, he might heal for Chesterfield on Saturday," added Gray.

We could all do with a lift, and for Luke Guttridge and Danny Jackman to be fit. We'd like a goal or two and three points.

Stuart Gray

Liam Davis is also out with a foot injury sustained in pre-season against Sheffield Wednesday. Gray has brought in replacements Romone Rose and Ben Marshall on loan.

"With Coke leaving, his wages have been released to allow us to bring in these players. There won't be any transfer funds, but the chairman might pay towards other loan fees. Or he might say the time has come to get on with what we've got.

"I'm not the only manager who doesn't have an unlimited budget. We're not a Notts County with investment that's come in. So the players that are here have got to pull their weight."

606: DEBATE

We can't rely on an inconsistent team line-up, made up of short term loanees. We need to have a stable team, even if youngsters.

cobblerdick

Gray also pointed to a lack of sharpness in his side's finishing as contributing to a goalless start to the new season.

"Abdul Osman had two or three chances on Saturday and he had a decent chance against Southampton. I can't fault the players' effort, but we've got to demand more from each other in front of goal."

The Cobblers supporters at St Mary's Stadium were also praised by the manager.

"We're very grateful for the fantastic away support. Credit to them, they get behind the team."

Northampton Town's next fixture is Chesterfield in League Two on Saturday.

"We could all do with a lift, and for Luke Guttridge and Danny Jackman to be fit. We'd like a goal or two and three points - it's all about results."