‘Physical and aerially dominant’ - The lowdown on Northampton’s Fraser Horsfall after Bristol City interest

The transfer window may not be open yet but Bristol City have wasted no time in getting their business done as they look put to put down a marker on the Championship.

After releasing their retained list last week, they announced the signing of Mark Sykes, a free transfer from Oxford United, joining on a three-year deal.

Since then, speculation has gone on as to who else could be set for a move to Ashton Gate, with there being a number of plates spinning.

Forest Green Rovers’ Kane Wilson has been spoken about, as has Andy Rinomhota from Reading and Curtis Davies from Derby County

The latest name to be linked with a move to the West Country is Northampton Town centre-back Fraser Horsfall, who has recently come off a campaign that saw his side fall short in the play-offs

Nigel Pearson has spoken of the desire to get more bodies in and defence is an area that is for sure needs to be strengthened, especially with Robbie Cundy and Timm Klose out of contract with the pair still yet to decide on their futures.

Horsfall fits the bill of what kind of player City are looking for. A player with a point to prove whilst also being available for next to nothing, which is nice when looking for bargain buys.

Can he make the step up to English football’s second tier after playing in League Two? We spoke to James Heneghan from the Northampton Chronicle to give us the lowdown on the latest player to be linked to City.

What type of player is Fraser Horsfall and if he were to join Bristol City, what could they expect?

A physical, aerially dominant defender. He wins a lot of headers and tackles and has grown in stature as a character during his two years at Sixfields, captaining the team for the majority of the 2021/22 campaign. He’s tall and strong and has been key to Northampton’s excellent defensive record.

Bristol City are in the market for a few defenders and Horsfall would face some competition, is he ready now for the Championship?

It’s hard to judge. He wasn’t entirely comfortable in League One during the 2020/21 campaign and only really looked at ease towards the end of that season. He is better suited to the physical, rough and tumble of nature of League Two as he thrives on winning aerial duels and competing physically. The Championship is not only a significant step up, it would also require a different skillset.

What are the key attributes of his game?

As mentioned, his physicality is his big strength. Very rarely gets out-muscled or pushed off the ball and he often tops the chart for headers won in each game. Defends his penalty box well and has become a leader in the changing room too.

If there are any weaknesses to him, what are they?

He can still improve with the ball at his feet. He didn’t have to play out from the back much with Northampton, who have often been quite a direct team, and he has the odd mistake and lapse of concentration in him. Still not the finished article.

City didn’t have many goalscoring centre-backs last year but Horsfall almost got double figures. Where do they come from? Is it mainly set pieces?

If I recall correctly, all of his nine goals were scored from set-pieces and all were headers. A lot of credit must go to Mitch Pinnock’s delivery, and the work that goes on in training, but Horsfall is such a big presence in the penalty box and attacks the ball with real power and determination.

Versatility is sometimes key when it comes to Nigel Pearson’s team selection, is there anywhere else he can play?

No, his skillset suits centre-back alone and his best performances have come in a back four rather than a three.

City have had some issues with injuries, especially in defence this season. What is his injury record like? Does he play a consistent amount of games?

His fitness record has been almost immaculate in his two years at Sixfields. He started 45 of 46 league games last season (missing one through suspension), plus the two play-off legs.

Horsfall is of course out of contract at Northampton. Are the Cobblers consigned to losing him or could he stay?

I think it’s almost certain he will leave. Clubs have been sniffing around him since January and his performances have been too good for League Two.

If he were to leave Sixfields, how much of a blow would that be? Is he a fan favourite?

He has become a favourite with fans after a slow start at the club and it would of course be a blow to see him leave, but I don’t think he is irreplaceable.