Early Christmas present for lonely and isolated Northampton Town supporters with calls from players and staff

Northampton Town players and staff have been checking on supporters who may be feeling isolated this Christmas as part of the club's ongoing work to tackle loneliness.

Manager Keith Curle, assistant manager Colin West and footballers Ricky Holmes, Sam Hoskins, Ryan Watson, Danny Rose and Nicky Adams were among those making calls on Wednesday, December 23.

Keith spoke to Gloria and Mark Hodge who are both season ticket holders for years who are missing attending matches.

Colin called Rowland Jordan, who is terminally ill. His first game was way back in 1950, and he previously went to every home and away game for 10 years running even though he lived in Crewe.

In recent weeks the club visited Rowland with the League Two play-off trophy as a surprise during the pandemic.

Sam called Brian Ratcliffe, from Wigan, who is missing attending matches but is watching the games on iFollow.

He is a poet/linguist/artist and traveller, working on songs for the Tackling Loneliness Facebook group, called Never too old to..., to share with others.

Ryan chatted to Tony Kingston - a life-long Cobblers fan, his first game was in January 1947.

Tony was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, is still on chemotherapy but is fighting fit.

He used to umpire for Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and is still scores for them when he can.

Robin Ward received a call from Danny. Robin is a big Cobblers fan, and used to live opposite the County Ground.

He now lives in Kettering, and has been going to matches since the age of nine and really misses attending the matches.

Lastly Ricky spoke to Roy Parker, who is on his own and in his late 80s and has been a season ticket holder for 81 years.

Roy's wife died last year so is now living alone, and is unable to come to games at the moment due to poor health.

"To Cobblers fans everywhere, thank you for your support and Merry Christmas," a club spokesperson said.

"While this festive season may be a little different for all of us, we are thinking of you all and you are not alone.

"If you are feeling lonely and feel as though the club may be able to help you at any point, please email our tackling loneliness officer at [email protected]."