Football Season Guide

Northampton Town

In


Patrick Brough (def) Barrow; Manny Monthe (def) Walsall; Kieron Bowie (att) Fulham (loan); Tyreece Simpson (att) Huddersfield Town (loan).

Out


Liam Cross (att) Brackley Town; David Norman Jr (def) St Patrick's; Tom King (gk) Wolverhampton Wanderers; Josh Harrop (att) Released; Jonny Maxted (gk) Released; Paul Osew (def) Released.

Northampton Town were excellent last season. The Sixfields-based side eventually earned promotion, finishing third. They used their tight-knit group as their biggest strength over the course of the long campaign. The Cobblers haven't made too many signings. Defenders Brough and Monthe provide some extra depth in defence. Attacker Bowie returns for another term on loan, while Simpson is the biggest addition so far. He also comes in on a season-long deal. Northampton Town haven't lost too many players, either. They've had no notable exits, though they have lost some depth across the board. On the whole, it has been a low-key transfer window. Pre-season games are mostly about fitness, though Northampton Town struggled in their opening few friendly games. Thankfully, they've improved in the last couple, picking up two wins. A possible weakness is a simple lack of quality. Northampton Town aren't blessed with a dressing room filled with League One level players. They have plenty of talent, though it's difficult to say whether these footballers will be able to adjust to the higher standard. On the flip side, the fact that they've managed to keep their core squad of players together is a big plus. This dressing room will know each other's games inside-out, meaning they could hit the ground running due to that familiarity. Manager Brady also remains in charge.

Target


Northampton Town are among the favourites to be relegated straight back down to League Two. Safety, by any means necessary, will be the aim here.