Bolger 'honoured' to be made Cobblers' new captain

Bolger signed from Lincoln City last Friday and by the time 1pm on Saturday rolled round, he was leading out his new side against Leyton Orient in a pre-season friendly at the PTS Stadium.

The 28-year-old will be viewed by fans, however unfairly, as Charlie Goode’s replacement. He’s a commanding and vocal figure and likes to defend on the front foot, dominate aerially and organise those around him.

Indeed, not knowing his new team-mates didn’t stop Bolger from barking out the orders during Town's hard-fought victory in a competitive but typically disjointed friendly encounter.

“The captaincy is something I’ve done before at my previous clubs but it’s obviously an honour to have been given it so soon after joining,” said Bolger, who skippered Bolton Wanderers’ Development team. “I want to lead by example on and off the pitch.

“I’m vocal on the pitch and I try to organise the defence around me. That’s one of my main strengths because it makes my life easier – if I talk I don’t need to do as much running!

“But the more I can help everyone on the pitch, the better it is for us as a team.”

Bar a couple of familiar faces, Bolger walks into a squad of players that are almost entirely new to him.

“It was great to have got straight out there and get involved with the lads,” continued the Irishman. “I don’t know anyone’s names yet so it’s a bit mad but once I get settled, I’m sure I’ll get to know the players a bit better.

“I played with (Chris) Linesy a long time ago and I played with Nicky (Adams) at Leicester but other than that I don’t know anyone so it might take a few days to get to know them.

“I’ll get to know people’s games a bit better over the next few weeks and then you know what you can demand from people – but for now it’ll be nice just to get to know everyone’s name !

“But once you come in and start building relationships, it helps you on the pitch.”

After spells with Southend United, Fleetwood Town and Lincoln, Bolger brings plenty of League One experience with him, but he’s keen to do his talking on the pitch.

He added: “I’ve played at this level for quite a while now so hopefully I can bring some experience into the team and help as much as I can.

“But people can make their minds up when they watch me. I just like to defend and I like to get as many clean sheets as possible. I’m an out-and-out defender and I like to be dominant and on the front foot.”