Breaking: Cobblers make first January move with addition of former Oxford United captain
Cobblers have made their first move of the January transfer window with the addition of experienced defender Elliott Moore.
The 28-year-old centre-back, who’s been without a club since leaving Oxford United in September, has penned an 18-month contract, keeping him at Sixfields until the summer of 2027. He effectively replaces fellow defender Jordan Thorniley, whose loan spell at Northampton was cut short earlier this week.
Moore played a pivotal role when captaining the U’s to promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2023/24 season, racking up 46 appearances in all competitions as Des Buckingham’s team beat Bolton at Wembley to win the play-offs.
The 6ft 5in centre-half then made 27 appearances for United in their first season in the Championship in 2024/25 before being let go at the end of the summer transfer window, a decision that he described as 'extremely difficult’ after ‘six fantastic years’ at the club. In Oxford’s statement, he was described as a ‘club icon’ and a ‘natural leader’.
Moore began his career with Leicester City before a successful loan spell in Belgium with OH Leuven, captaining the side on occasions as he made more than 60 appearances. He moved to Oxford United in 2019 and in six years he made 242 appearances, scoring 12 times, including the play-off semi final winner against Peterborough United in 2024. Moore has also represented England at under-18 and under-20 level.