Poppies boss Cox confirms discussions with striker Mackail-Smith

Paul Cox has confirmed Kettering Town have spoken to experienced striker Craig Mackail-Smith about a potential move to Latimer Park.

Fans who went to watch the new-look Poppies squad take part in an open training session on Saturday may well have seen former Peterborough United and Brighton & Hove Albion frontman at the ground along with his father-in-law, Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry.

Since then, there has been speculation as to whether the Poppies may be trying to sign the 36-year-old who was released by Wycombe Wanderers at the end of last season.

And while it is far from being a done deal, Cox admitted discussions have taken place.

“I prefer being up front and honest and people aren’t daft, they will have seen Barry and Craig there on Saturday,” the Poppies manager said.

“We have spoken to Craig but he is speaking to a number of teams still. On the flip side, we are speaking to a lot of other good players as well.

“For us to be successful, it’s not about signing every player who is coming out of the Football League.

“I don’t believe in that because, although there are a lot of good footballers out there, it doesn’t mean they have the desire and application to be successful at a club at our level.

“We have to be mindful of the fact that when we sign a player, it has to be the right fit for Kettering Town at this stage.

“And, more importantly, it has to come in our wage bill. I am not going to break the bank for anybody.

“We have done really good business so far and we have tried to utilise the money that has been freed up by players leaving.

“I think we have got excellent value money so far and I have just tried to be shrewd and, in turn, it has given us a bit of leeway in the budget moving forward from now.”