The Football League Paper

JUSTIN’S READYTO POLISH DIAMOND LOBJOIT

- By Ross Lawson

SCORING 62 goals in 36 games at any level will get you noticed, and Northampto­n manager Justin Edinburgh is convinced he’s found an unpolished gem in Leon Lobjoit.

To call Lobjoit prolific doesn’t do him justice, and his average of more than 1.7 goals per game while at Buckingham Town has earned him another shot at the EFL.

The 22-year-old striker spent time as a teenager at Coventry and MK Dons and scored in a reserve team friendly during a twoweek trial with the Cobblers.

It prompted Northampto­n to give Lobjoit – who was plying his trade in the United Counties League Division One, the tenth tier of English football – a twoyear deal from next season.

Edinburgh claims his potential was too good to resist. “It is a gamble worth taking,” he said. “My belief is the size of the goal doesn’t change and the position of it doesn’t move.

“Obviously, there is a step up in levels, but Leon has had good grounding at MK Dons, Coventry and was on trial at QPR for a little while, but in a different position.

“Everything we have seen about him we thought was good. There is a lot to work with and he has a good attitude.

“He is somebody who realises he has been given another opportunit­y and is desperate to take that.”

While boss at Newport, Edinburgh plucked another diamond from the Non-League ranks in 24year-old forward Conor Washington, who is now at QPR. He believes it is a valuable source of players.

“I have come through Non-League myself as a manager, so I am fully aware of the quality at that level,” added Edinburgh.

“They don’t all work out, but there are plenty of players out there capable of doing that. Hopefully, Leon can follow in the footsteps of Conor.”

 ??  ?? GOALS: Leon Lobjoit
GOALS: Leon Lobjoit

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