Chairman Thomas won't make 'kneejerk' decisions but plans to add 'League One quality' in January

Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas will not be making any 'kneejerk' decisions despite labelling Town's back-to-back 4-0 defeats to Oxford United and Lincoln City as 'unacceptable'.

Manager Keith Curle is coming under increasing pressure from fans following four straight league defeats, a run which has left the Cobblers tottering just one point and one place above the League One relegation zone.

The majority of teams either side of Northampton in the table also have at least one game in hand, however Thomas insists he will not 'panic' about the situation despite a lot of frustration among supporters on social media.

"I think Shaun (McWilliams) getting sent off and Alan Sheehan missing and a couple of other key injuries have impacted us," said Thomas. "We've forgotten about Joe Nuttall as well who's been injured and Millsy (Joseph Mills) is still out. These are big players for us and we've struggled.

"The squad numbers and the salary cap have both had an impact and we've struggled in the last two games, which have been pretty much unacceptable and as a group we've talked about it a lot and taken it on the chin.

"I've been doing this long enough to know we won't get carried away and be kneejerk about it and panic. As disappointing as the game was on Saturday, I still believe the players were playing for the shirt and putting the effort in.

"The players and Keith are fully aware that now we need to put it right. It's not just about saying it, it's actually doing it and we've got to look at what we're going to do in January and take a serious look at our recruitment."

Curle will be keen to strengthen when the transfer window opens on New Year's Day although that might be easier said that done given the limits on squad sizes.

Thomas added: "I think some of the players will admit they haven't stepped from last season and we've got to look at that and how we make the right changes to get the right players in the building to ensure we finish the season strongly, but there's a long way to go and there have been some good performances mixed in.

"We just need to add a little bit more League One quality to the group in January and I think everyone is on the same page. No-one in the group is saying we have been good enough in the last few games but we have shown we can compete this season and we are 'above the line' right now.

"But we have definitely got to look at this January window. It made a big difference last season and we'll be looking to do the same again."