NORTHAMPTON Town boss Jon Brady was full of praise for new recruit Sam Sherring following his arrival at the League Two club from Cherries, stating that the defender had an ‘excellent pedigree’.

The League Two club, who narrowly missed out on promotion to League One on the final day of the last season, agreed a compensation package with Cherries to prise the young defender away from the Vitality Stadium, after Cherries extended his contract automatically.

Northampton reportedly beat off interest from League One clubs in order to secure Sherring’s services at Sixfields.

Brady told Northampton’s website: “Sam is a player who is a good age, with an excellent pedigree and a decent amount of experience of first team football," said manager Jon Brady.

"We have monitored him closely during his loan spells in League One where he did well.

“He has been close to AFC Bournemouth's first team having come through their academy system.

"He is a centre-back but he can play anywhere across the back line, he is mobile and comfortable on the ball.

"Sam is also a leader out on the pitch and that is important.”

Brady then enthused about Sherring’s willingness to learn, stressing that he felt Northampton was the best place for the Dorchester-born defender to do so.”

"He has a real desire to learn and improve,” mentioned Brady.

“And what has impressed us is that he chose to go out on loan a number of times to gain experience and test himself playing senior football over the last few seasons, learning how to deal with the physical battles that brings.

“There has been considerable and sustained interest in him this summer from clubs at a number of different levels including some clubs in League 1 and we are delighted we have been able to bring him to Sixfields.

“I believe our reputation as a club that helps to improve and develop players certainly played a part in that.

“He is another strong addition to our defensive unit, and another who fits the profile of player we are looking for.”