Cobblers to make decision on trialists as Hogg provides transfer update

The club were happy to reveal the identity of the trialists as experienced midfielder Grant Ward and young wide player Lennon Wheeldon. Ward, now 31, made over 50 appearances for Ipswich, Blackpool and Bristol Rovers and was last seen playing for Port Vale at the end of the 2025/26 season. He operated in a central midfield role in the first half of Saturday’s 3-0 defeat.

Wheeldon, who played on the right in the second half at Loughborough, came through Derby County’s youth system and had loan spells at Boston United and South Shields before his release at the end of last season. The 20-year-old has also represented England Under-19s.

"There are discussions to be had,” said Hogg when asked if the trialists will remain with the squad for this week’s trip to St George’s Park. “We had a couple of youth team boys involved to bolster our numbers and that highlights we still need players and we need to keep busy in the market and make sure we’re recruiting the right people.

"The two trialists have been training with us. Lennon has been with us for a while – there’s no point hiding it because people always find out! – and we’ll have discussions on the back of today and then give them a plan moving forward.”

Saturday’s game only highlighted Northampton’s lack of depth in certain positions, particularly at the top end of the pitch.

"Recruitment is massive at this time of the year and we’re having loads of conversations all the time,” Hogg added. “It was good to see the boys play because I need to get a gauge of where we are and what we need. Today has highlighted a lot of stuff to me, which I’ll keep to myself!

"There are areas that we are targeting recruitment-wise because the boys need help in certain areas of the pitch, but they’re starting to build relationships and come together as a group. There was loads of good stuff but there were areas that weren’t quite right and that’s something we need to rectify.”