Cobblers boss Page determined to keep title-winning squad together

There has been plenty of speculation regarding certain Cobblers players over the past few weeks, and Page is not surprised that is the case with the team having just stormed to the Sky Bet League Two title.

The likes of Ricky Holmes and goalkeeper Adam Smith are two that have been regularly linked with other clubs on various supporters’ websites and social media, but Page said there has been ‘nothing concrete’ in terms of offers for them or any other Sixfields player.

Of last season’s title-winning team. Nicky Adams has already left and joined Carlisle United, while Danny Rose turned down a new deal and instead signed for Portsmouth.

Loan players John Marquis, James Collins and Luke Prosser have also departed, along with Josh Lelan, but as far as players going through the exit door, Page is hoping that will be that.

The Town boss is desperate to hold on to what he has, and he believes that the position of strength the club is now in, off the field as well as on it, will be a massive factor in him being able to do that.

“Naturally there is going to be interest, because the boys have had such a terrific season,” said Page.

“All I can say from our point of view from the football side of it is we want to keep it all together, and not disrupt things.

“There is going to be interest, but as it stands there is nothing concrete.”

And he added: “From where the club has come from, you had the opposite ends of the spectrum in one season.

“You had the threat of administration, the uncertainty of what’s happening with wages being paid, and the difficulty they have come through to now.

“Now the club has a chairman in Kelvin Thomas that is fully supportive, and I have had four or five meetings with him now and he is a fantastic bloke and chairman.

“You have those foundations now, so I think that is why we can attract players to this football club, not just from a financial viewpoint, but the club structurally is sound, it is safe.

“And that is certainly going to benefit us in keeping hold of our best players.”