'Cobblers fans are different to other supporters... we need to take that feeling into next season'

Whilst Town fans have not been shy in voicing their displeasure over how the season has unravelled, there was a relatively positive and jovial atmosphere at Sixfields for Saturday’s final game of the campaign against Plymouth, particularly after the full-time whistle.

"I enjoyed the atmosphere in the ground and it was very heartwarming to hear the support for the players on the pitch and the team and the club and we have to make sure that affinity is evident in our performances next season,” said Calderwood.

"It doesn't surprise me because I've been here for a while and I understand what floats their boat, but it does show you that we have a different set of supporters than so many other clubs in the country.

"The way the community gets behind the sports teams in the town is unlike a lot of areas and I'll go away from today (Saturday) with a nice feeling. I'm unsurprised by it but it doesn't go unappreciated and we have to take a bit of the feeling from the fans into next season.”

Cobblers won just one of their last 26 league games, but Calderwood insists the current dressing room is capable of so much better.

"This group hasn't achieved what they can, that's fairly obvious,” he added. "Too many times we have debriefed games on a Monday morning and the annoyance and anguish come from watching back the goals we’ve given away. It's been head-scratching.

"There's so many teams in the league that we should be equal to or better than. We definitely are off the pitch in terms of the supporters but we have to go and prove it on the pitch. It's OK to say this and that but I know exactly what work is needed and what the future holds for the club.

"The personalities and the characters in the dressing room is a good place to start from because they have honesty and they're hurting. They've hurt unbelievably in the second half of the season and there's been no joy whatsoever."