Cobblers to appoint 'external' assistant for Brady as Richards and Sampson continue in current roles

Cobblers are to appoint a new 'external' assistant manager to support first-team boss Jon Brady whilst Marc Richards, Dan Watson and Ian Sampson will continue in their current positions.

Richards will stay on as first-team coach with a particular focus on developing young players and Sampson continues in his role as head of the academy, although he will still be involved with the first-team.

Watson remains as goalkeeping coach, but the club are planning to make an external appointment to assist Brady with the first-team. A new head of recruitment is also being sought.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas said: "Within the new structure, Marc Richards will have a particular focus on developing the young professionals, while as well as a new head of recruitment, we will be looking to appoint an external candidate with experience to help Jon and Marc who we expect to appoint by the start of the season.

“Ian is very important to the academy and even more so now with the relationship between the first-team and the academy. Ian continuing in his role was important for stability and we are pleased that he will continue with that role while also helping with the first team as required.”

Brady added: "A huge thank you is due to Marc Richards, Ian Sampson, Dan Watson and all the staff for their work and their support and I am delighted that all will have important roles to play as the club moves forward."