Curle not panicking after Cobblers drop into the relegation zone

Keith Curle is staying upbeat despite his side's league position.

Cobblers boss Keith Curle says now is not the time to panic after his side dropped into the Sky Bet League One relegation zone this week.

Town slipped to 21st in the table after Shrewsbury's victory over Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday, and then remained there despite not playing on Boxing Day.

Oxford United and MK Dons pulled away from trouble with 2-0 wins on Saturday but Shrewsbury and Wigan drew 1-1 while Burton Albion, Bristol Rovers and AFC Wimbledon all lost.

"The picture hasn't changed - we know where we want to end up when the season finishes and there will be lots of twists and turns," said Curle.

"I'm sure there will be some surprising results, some disappointing results and also some very pleasing results, but we have an ultimate goal after 46 games and we know where we want to be.

"That hasn't changed and along the way there will be lots of challenges not only for ourselves but for every team in terms of selection problems, COVID issues, suspensions, loss of form - they are all challenges.

"We accept challenges. The easy thing to do is to come out with excuses for why things aren't going your way but what we've got in the changing room is that we know we need to find a way to win games, week in week out.

"Every week will bring different challenges but the mentality is that we find a way."

Curle would have given his players Christmas Day off even if they were due to play on Boxing Day, as he did last season.

He added: "I've experienced nearly every scenario on Christmas Day - I've been in at 10am in the morning and I've been in at 6pm in the evening and I've also stayed in hotels and travelled away.

"But now I'm a manager, I shutdown for Christmas Day because I want the players to go home and enjoy their time with their family, but with one eye on 5pm and making sure they're prepared for the next game."