Curle 'disappointed' after missing out on Morton

Cobblers boss Keith Curle admits he was disappointed to miss out on re-signing Callum Morton from West Bromwich Albion this summer.

The 20-year-old starred for Town last season and was always likely to head out on loan again this year having agreed a new long-term contract with the Baggies.

But despite Northampton's firm interest, West Brom instead opted to send Morton to League One rivals Lincoln City.

"A lot of supporters would have seen Callum join Lincoln and he's a player that we've been monitoring very closely and offered money for," said Curle.

"We were competing to take him on loan and were happy to match the finances that any other club was prepared to take but he's a West Brom player and in their opinion, his next development step was to go to a different footballing environment."

Morton was keen to rejoin the Cobblers following his heroics in the play-offs but West Brom ultimately felt he would develop better under Michael Appleton.

Curle added: "It's disappointing because I spoke to Callum a few times and he would have been happy to come back here because of the progression he had and he was made to feel very welcome by the changing room and the staff and also the supporters.

"But Callum's respectful of the fact that he's signed a long-term deal with West Brom and they see his next step going elsewhere and from everybody at the football club, we sincerely wish Callum the best - apart from when he plays against us!"