Cobblers boss Wilder says open-top bus parade will be '˜a magnificent occasion'

Thousands of supporters are expected to take to the streets to hail their heroes, who romped to the Sky Bet League Two title this season.

The Cobblers finish their campaign at Portsmouth on Saturday, and Wilder is also keen for the players to set up a feel-good Sunday with another positive result at Fratton Park.

“We talked to the players before the Luton game, and said if we really want to get the maximum out of the last two games and everything that goes with it, and there have been a few celebrations, then we have go about our business in a professional way,” said the Cobblers boss.

“So we need to make sure we are right at Portsmouth on Saturday, and then we can move on to Sunday and it is going to be a magnificent occasion.

“Hopefully everybody turns out in town, and it looks like we have even managed to book the sun as well, so that will cap it off.

“But everybody will enjoy the day and it’s a great opportunity for the supporters to be there, and for the players to recognise that. Hopefully we can also do it off the back of a decent result at Portsmouth.”

There will be two buses taking part in the parade, with one for the players and management team, and the other for the club’s staff.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas is keen for the club’s administration staff, who went three months without pay during the club’s financial crisis in September, October and November, are also given their share of the spotlight.

The buses will depart Sixfields at 4pm on Sunday, and head into town.

They will travel along Weedon Road, past the railway station, up into Marefair and across Horsemarket and into Gold Street and Mercer’s Row, when they will undertake a lap of All Saints Church.

They will then move up the Drapery and perform two laps of the Market Square before pausing near the fountain for speeches from some key players in this memorable story, and then moving on past All Saints again and into George Row and then St Giles Square before heading into the Guildhall for a civic reception in honour of the club’s achievements this season.

It is a great chance for the people of Northampton to salute their football team, who have overcome such adversity this season – the club almost going out of business in November – to win the league two title in some style.

Unbeaten in the league in their past 23 matches, a record stretching back to December 19, 2015, the Cobblers were promoted on April 9, had their league title success confirmed on April 16, and finally got their hands on the silverware last Saturday, following their 2-0 win over Luton Town