Curle won't gamble on new signings if it risks Cobblers' financial stability

Cobblers boss Keith Curle says he will not gamble on expensive new signings in January if it threatens the club's financial structure after he again warned about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Town have been hit hard by the pandemic with the vast majority of games since March played behind closed doors. A limited number of supporters were allowed into the PTS for recent games against Lincoln and Doncaster but Tuesday's visit of Gillingham will again be played in front of empty stands.

That has put significant strain on the club's finances and with the January transfer window fast approaching, Curle has reiterated the delicate position Northampton find themselves in due to the lack of income.

Although keen to strengthen his squad in January as the Cobblers battle for their survival in League One, Curle will not do so at the risk of the club's financial stability.

"There was a financial implication because of the COVID situation and I think the club has to be applauded because of the good housekeeping which is about the finances of the football club and we have always had one eye on that," Curle said.

"That's massively important at any time but especially in the current circumstances because some clubs will be suffering. They might be doing OK on the pitch but as an organisation and a business, they will be feeling the strain which can lead to decisions that may need to be made down the line.

"Our structure at this club has always had one eye on the finances and we've made sure there's a settled structure in place that gives us that comfort and we're organised and well-oiled and that's very important, but people don't see that.

Curle brought in a number of new players in the summer but many of those are struggling to make the step up to League One.

He added: "It's 'go and get promoted and go and fill your changing room with higher-paid players' but have a look at the situation we're in. We could have filled the changing room with more expensive players but that would have come at a cost, especially in these current times.

"We're not allowed any supporters in the ground again now but we've still got to be alive as an organisation and we've always been aware of different scenarios throughout and I think that shows the financial structure that's in place here.

"It's not just for the owners, it's for every supporter of the club because we're a well-run organisation."