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ROB Page can’t wait to get stuck into his new job as Northampton Town manager – but doesn’t want fans to expect him to perform miracles.
The 41-year-old was appointed the Cobblers’ boss on Thursday, replacing Chris Wilder who left for Sheffield United the previous week after guiding the club to the League Two title.
Page had been in charge at League One Port Vale since September 2014 and guided them to 12th place this term amid the backdrop of financial cutbacks and the club being put up for sale.
With further budget cuts forecast for Vale in the coming season, Page has traded one League One club in for a new one – but clearly feels it is one that has more scope for improvement.
Fantastic
Burton Albion won League Two in 2014-15 and made it back-toback promotions by finishing runners-up to Wigan in League One this year, though Page isn’t expecting it to be a doddle to repeat that feat with Northampton.
The former Watford defender, who has signed a three-year contract, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me.
“You can’t underestimate what they achieved in winning League Two last season, and the manner they won it, bearing in mind the financial problems the club had earlier in the season.
“I met with the chairman (Kelvin Thomas) and heard about the plans the club has moving forward, which made it a very easy decision to make.
“We want to progress as a football club, but first we have to establish ourselves in League One and build foundations before we can take that next step.
“If it takes three or four years so be it, though if it only takes one or two I’m not going to turn it down! Everyone will look at what Burton achieved on a reduced budget and they deserved it, but it’s not always that easy.
“We have to manage expectations and be realistic, but the fans can rest assured I’ll give it everything I’ve got to bring success.”
Often managers get appointed to clubs on a slippery slope, but the ex-Wales international has the good fortune to take over a club on a massive high, albeit they will be playing at a higher level next season.
Yet that was undoubtedly one of the attractions for Northampton in appointing him – he knows all about League One from his Port Vale tenure.
“I think the gap from League One to the Championship is much greater than from League Two to League One,” he said. “I think the players that we’ve got will hold their own and adapt to the level.
“Northampton is a club that’s growing and there’s a great feeling about the place. Myself and the chairman both feel the same way – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. There wasn’t too much wrong if they romped the division.
Growing
“It suggests there aren’t a lot of changes needed.We might need a couple of additions and players with more experience of League One, especially with loans being window to window.
“There are some that have already had the opportunity to play at that level and I’m sure all the lads will relish the chance they’ve got.”