The former Watford, Colchester United and Coventry City boss takes charge of the Cobblers for the first time in the home game against Crewe Alexandra and although a move away from the League Two relegation zone is his immediate target that is unlikely to be enough to satisfy Boothroyd, still only 40 and touted just a few years ago as the next big thing in management.
He told BBC Look East: "I got five DVDs put in front of me and I haven't watched them.
"That's the past now. I want to judge people with a fresh pair of eyes."
The new man also promised an 'attacking mantra' and praised Bayo Akinfenwa as 'one of the best box players I've ever seen.'