Jon Brady has explained the reasons behind the absence of Matt Dibley-Dias from recent Northampton Town squads.
The 20-year-old was brought to Sixfields this summer in his first move away from parent club Fulham. He has featured just twice in Cobblers colours, playing against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup before making his league debut against Exeter City.
He is under contract at Craven Cottage until 2027 after signing a new deal last year, and has appeared on the bench for Marco Silva’s side in four Premier League games. But since his arrival at Northampton, he has been missing from most of the club’s squads.
Explaining to the Chronicle and Echo about Dibley-Dias’ lack of game time, he said: “The intensity of training has been different and he’s had a few little niggles here and there. He’s continued to train but we’re trying to get his physicality to a place where he can be consistent.
“It’s now about building that strength and resilience back into his body. He has the qualities that we need and he will certainly come to the fore over the next few weeks and months with all the games that we have coming up.”
Town come into their game at home to Mansfield Town after a strong showing against Huddersfield Town, with the Cobblers dispatching Michael Duff’s side 3-1 on the road. Jack Sowerby and Samy Chouchane started in the middle of the park in Yorkshire, with the latter being replaced three minutes before full time by former Blackburn Rovers defender Tyler Magloire.
The big news for Brady’s side going into the game against The Stags is yet another injury blow to defender Patrick Brough. Despite breaking his leg against Huddersfield, the 28-year-old continued to soldier on and saw out the game.
Speaking about Brough’s situation, the Australian boss said: “He carried on and he stayed out there but he will now be checked by the specialist and he’ll be out for the long-term.
“You don’t know in the moment and we wanted him to come off but he stayed out there and hobbled around and it’s just gutting for us all. We wish him all the best.”
Writer’s View
The difference in the physicality of academy football and the senior game is night and day so it is understandable why Brady is trying to ease in Matt Dibley-Dias. The 20-year-old’s only experience of playing EFL sides beforehand was two appearances in the EFL Trophy for Fulham’s under-21 side so adapting to training week in week out with the rest of the Northampton Town side will take some time.
Dibley-Dias will be needed across the season and once he reaches the necessary fitness levels to be competitive in League One should become a key asset for The Cobblers this season. Fellow midfielders Samy Chouchane and Ben Fox have already faced issues this season so having every player ready will for game time will be crucial. With the promise he has shown within the Fulham academy, it will be exciting to see what he can provide to the League One side on a regular basis.
