DAVID HASN’T MISSED POINT!
DAVID Buchanan believes Northampton have failed to get to the point this season.
Having amassed more draws than any other team in League Two heading into this weekend (15), the Cobblers found themselves six points off the top seven and defender Buchanan feels that indecision will lead to his team ultimately falling short in their bid for an instant return to League One.
The 32-year-old, who led Northampton to the League Two title in his first season at the club in 2015-16, has made peace with his expectations but doesn’t see missing out on a stab at promotion as an outright disappointment.
“I think, if we are being honest with ourselves, we haven’t done as well as we should have this season,” said Buchanan.
“Ultimately, we have drawn too many games, which I think has been our downfall.
“We are in a strange position now because we are outside of the play-offs and have a chance – but an unrealistic chance – of getting there.
“A month ago, it was a case of just getting as many points as we can on the board to ensure survival but we are safe now, so it is a bit like being in no-man’s land.
“A top-half finish would bode really well for us for next season and we can go and have a good summer.”
A player who is most comfortable with the weight of responsibility on his own shoulders, Buchanan has worn the armband at every club he has played for – and is also happy to work under an iron fist.
So when Northampton appointed former England defender Keith Curle in October, the Cobblers skipper was confident that his team had brought in the right man for the job.
“I can take a bit of a rollicking off a manager – I don’t mind that as long as they are honest with you,” he said.
“When you look at a man of Keith’s experience, you’ve got nothing but respect.
“He played over 700 professional games, at some really top clubs too, and I know how difficult that is.
“He has got international caps and I think when he first came in, he brought some discipline back to the team.”
Outside of football, the leftback may just prove that the pen is as mighty as his trusty left boot.
Discipline
Buchanan graduated with a first in sports journalism from Staffordshire University last year and intends to use his degree to remain in the game when his playing days come to an end.
A young family and living away from his home in Rochdale meant that finding time for his studies was complicated but with the help of the PFA, the former Bury man was able to complete his course and lay foundations for the future.
“The support we get from the PFA on the educational side of things made me realise that I need to be prepared for a life after football and I need to be able to do something alongside playing – which I don’t think many people do,” said Buchanan.
“I have still got a lot to offer as a footballer but afterwards, walking away with nothing would be stupid, so doing the degree has opened my eyes to the other side of things too. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done but it was all worth it in the end.”