University of Northampton to continue sponsoring Cobblers for three more years

The partnership, which began in June 2013, will see the university’s name carried on the front of all Cobblers shirts from the under nine academy side through to the first team until at least 2019.

Northampton Town chairman Kelvin Thomas is set to confirm the announcement at a press conference at Sixfields this morning alongside vice chancellor of the university Nick Petford.

It is not yet known how much the contract will be worth. The figure for the previous deal signed in 2013 was not disclosed, but it was understood to be in excess of the £300,000 contract the club previously had with estate agents Jackson Grundy.

Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “We are proud to carry the name of the University of Northampton on our shirts, and we are grateful for the loyalty and support they have shown the club.

“The partnership will become more integrated as we move into the next three years. The University has a proud employability record anyway, but our plans include providing real-life work experience in the highly sought after environment of professional football through internships and student takeover days.”

The University will also be using the Sixfields Stadium as a venue for several events - including hosting their Varsity sports tournament in 2017 - in addition to inviting experts from the clubs coaching staff to give fitness masterclasses to the university sports teams.

Professor Nick Petford, vice chancellor of the University of Northampton, said: “Despite adversity, Northampton Town Football Club has proved itself to be the embodiment of dedication and success. The University of Northampton feels privileged to not only continue, but strengthen its association with a club that has been at the centre of our community for nearly 120 years.“