PLAYMAKER Jermaine McGlashan has witnessed a positive reaction on the training ground following Tuesday night’s disappointing one-goal loss at Crewe Alexandra ahead of this afternoon’s home tie against Northampton Town.

McGlashan, 30, became Phil Brown’s first summer signing after making the switch from Southend – a club he played for under Brown for two seasons.

While the former Cheltenham player has made 14 appearances under Brown this season, his last three appearances have been limited having come off the bench.

And making full use of his competitive game time is part of the London-born player’s ambition as he looks to become a regular first team member.

He said: “You want to impress when you come off the bench and want to be part of the club’s next run.

“Players are always learning, sometimes it can be good to watch a game from the bench so you can be the best you can.

“It’s always tough coming into a new bunch of lads, but there’s been a big turnaround – it’s not just me.

“We’re a tight knit group, that makes life easier.

“In training we’re all working hard, hopefully that togetherness shines through on Saturday.

“We’re well drilled going into any game, not just Northampton.

“We try to worry about ourselves and discuss our dangers – we’ve worked on how they’re going to play though and how we can hurt them.”

McGlashan started his career 12 years ago when signing for Staines Town before he got his first opportunity in the Football League with Aldershot in 2010.

Spells and Cheltenham Town and Gillingham followed before the midfielder first worked under Phil Brown at Southend United.

Two seasons spent with Brown means McGlashan knows the Town boss more than most.

And his colourful character is something which he relishes playing under, adding that the high energy and intensity of the Town boss helps motivate players during the week and on the pitch.

He said: “The game is evolving all the time, and you have to adapt to that.

“Overall Phil (Brown) has that same philosophy of high energy and high intensity.

“He’ll talk a lot about second balls too, that’s the type of manager he is. I knew what I was signing up for.

“It’s similar to Southend, and that clean sheet mentality is important.

“I’ve known him for a bit longer than some of the boys, so maybe I can read him a little better.

“If a game on Saturday hasn’t gone well, on Monday we’ll get on with things.

“Off the back of Tuesday’s loss, there has been a reaction on the training ground – you can definitely see it.

“That’s always a good thing. Everyone is fighting for their shirt, and you want to be able to go up to the manager and tell him that you’re ready.”