Who's the best fullback

In the first of a new series of blogs, I compare Cobblers greats from yesteryear to their modern day equivalents.  Many say this is an unfair comparison, as the game constantly changes and develops with sport science and modern coaching methods giving the professional player of 2017 the extra edge over those that played in more innocent, less sophisticated times. However, as the saying goes "there is no need to have it all, just make the best of what you have", and on that note we ask:

 

Round 1: Attitude

Buchanan
"Mr Northampton Town fc" gets off to a flyer in this round, with his never say die attitude and constant work rate it's full marks:10 out of 10 for the former Preston man.

Horwood
Evan was no slouch in this department either, the ex Sheffield United youth teamer was part of Chris Wilder's spirited squad that fought hard to avoid relegation at the tail end of the 2013/14 season. 9/10

Round 2: Points Obtained When In The Team

Buchanan
With David in the team, NTFC have totted up an impressive 1.6 points per game. Unsurprising, considering the glorious 2015/16 league 2 winning side the former Tranmere defender turned out for. 7/10

Horwood
Through no lack of effort, Evan loses out in this round. It should be noted the Cobblers sides that Hartlepool stalwart Evan played in were very different beasts to Buch's era, with Chris Wilder doing his best to motivate a team made up largely of players signed by his predecessors in 2013/14 then steering the men in claret and white to a steady mid-table finish in his and Evan's first full season. It's 0.74 points per game and 6/10 for Evan.

Round 3: Professionalism

Buchanan

Few would argue that on and off the pitch the ex Bury trainee is a model pro. A leader both on the training ground and on matchdays, the ex Hamilton defender never stops working hard. 9/10

Horwood

Always steady and reliable when called upon, the former Darlington loanee rarely let his manager, or team mates down when starting or coming off the bench. 7/10.

Round 4: Honours

Buchanan

Another solid round for Buchanan. The ever present full back deserved his League 2 winners medal more than anyone in the squad. The only thing stopping the ex Preston North End man from gaining full marks in this round is his lack of silverware in cup competitions for the East Midlands outfit. 9/10

Horwood

Once again a victim of circumstance, the ex Stockport defender unfortunately takes a sound thrashing in this round, not that many Cobblers sides did when Evan was at the back! 0/10

Round 5: Goal Scoring

Oh dear, red faces all round here, with neither man getting off the mark! 0 points for both

Round 6: Playing 106 Consecutive Games For the Cobblers

Buchanan

Full marks here for the Rochdale born sometime Cobblers skipper. A well deserved score for a living NTFC legend. 10/10

Horwood

Sadly the exHartlepool man misses out again, although it should be noted that he was kept out of the squad by a certain Mr D Buchanan. If things had been different would Evan have been 106 not out at Sixfields? We will never know. Its a score of 3.1/10 to represent the 31 appearances the ex Scunthorpe man did make for the Cobblers

Round 7: Posing for Photos as a Giant Penguin

It is often said that football is more of a business than a sport, and with the pressures surrounding the game it is more important than ever that players find time to wind down and relax to help prepare their minds and bodies for future battles. What better way to do this than by dressing as a giant, flightless bird. It is well documented that footballers like to socialise together, therefore there is every chance Evan's companion in the above cropped photo is Buchanan. Therefore it is full marks for both men as we go into the the deciding round with the scores 55 to 35.1...

Round 8: Relaxing With Dogs

Buchanan
A low scoring round here for the ex Preston North Ender. 0/10

Horwood 
Evans above he's only gone and won it! With scandal and sleaze so often engulfing the game and the importance of clubs in their local community it is doubly important (hence the double points on offer in this round) that players remember their role model status in society and demonstrate a human side. As a nation of dog lovers it is more than refreshing to see a footballer lead the way in showing care and affection for our furry companions. 20/20 here for the ex NTFC fullback.

FINAL SCORE: DAVID BUCHANAN 55                                         EVAN HORWOOD 55.1