Boothroyd begins to make case for his defence

Aidy Boothroyd has made his first defensive signing of the summer with a deal to land Joe Widdowson

The 23-year-old will link up with the Cobblers at the beginning of August after the expiry of his contract with Rochdale.

Boothroyd said: "Like our other summer signings, Joe is another player who played a lot of games last season at a higher level than League Two.

"He has a good amount of experience for a player of his age and I am looking forward to working with him.

"We needed a left back in the squad, and we managed to beat a number of clubs to his signature so I am very pleased to welcome Joe to Sixfields."