Harry Smith might not be the last player to leave Cobblers in January

Striker Harry Smith might not be the last player to leave the Cobblers this month following his loan exit to Motherwell on Thursday.

Smith becomes the fourth player to depart the club during the January transfer window following Luka Racic, whose loan spell from Brentford was ended, Chris Lines and Ricky Holmes.

With still more than a week left until the window closes, manager Keith Curle has not ruled out the possibility of more players leaving.

"We have had other enquiries and we did have a few phone calls regarding Harry from both League One and League Two clubs," said the Town boss.

"Some of them were permanent options and others were for loans and there have been a few other phonecalls that have taken place.

"Players that are under contract with us, the deal will have to be right for the club, for me and for the player and it has to be advantageous for all parties for it to happen.

"Nobody is being forced out of the club and everybody who signs here has got expectations and requirements for what's needed.

"There's a good mood in the camp. January is often a difficult time because players know if they're not in the squad, they need to be in the shop window and they get their agents to ring around.

"But ultimately, the deal has to be right for all parties. Just because someone isn't playing, it doesn't mean I owe them the opportunity to go elsewhere. If I still think they can be an integral part, or even a small part, in us maintaining our league status, then they have to stay.

"They get well paid and they are well looked after by the football club and they're expected to do their job, that's the minimum requirement."