Former skipper Richards takes up new coaching role in Cobblers' academy

Former title-winning skipper Marc Richards has returned to the Cobblers as the club's new youth team assistant coach.

The 38-year-old scored 63 goals in over 210 appearances over two spells for Northampton and famously led the team to the League Two title under Chris Wilder in 2015/16.

Richards is still playing part-time football with non-league side St Ives Town, but he's always had one eye on his coaching career and has now taken up the position of assistant professional development phase coach.

He will work with the U18s squad alongside manager Jon Brady and under the guidance of academy manager Ian Sampson.

"We are delighted to welcome Marc to his new role," said Sampson.

"It is important the club uses the experience of our former players like Marc and he can pass that on to the generation of players coming through our age groups.

"He made a huge success of his career as a player and I am sure he will do the same on the coaching side and we are delighted the young players at the club will be able to benefit from Marc's knowledge."

Richards himself said: "Working with the U18s is an opportunity for me to come back to a club that has offered me so much in the past, and now I can come back in and hopefully give something back.

"This is something I have looked to do and it is a step in the next stage of my career. We have some good young coaches in the academy and a strong club culture developing and that is important.

"Some good players have come through the academy in the last few years and if I can help that to continue and help a club that means a lot to me than I will be delighted."