Hogg addresses Richards exit and likelihood of further changes to backroom staff

Chris Hogg has not ruled out further changes to the coaching setup at Sixfields, saying he ‘always wants to evolve’, following Marc Richards’ departure earlier this month.

The 43-year-old former striker, who scored 63 goals in over 200 games across two spells at Northampton in his playing days, held various roles at Sixfields since joining the club’s youth team coaching staff in 2018. He had a stint as assistant manager to Jon Brady and also worked with the first-team under Kevin Nolan but departed earlier in June as part of the club’s ‘restructuring process’.

"I’ve got nothing but respect for Marc,” said Hogg. “He will always be welcome back for what he’s done for the club but, for me, it was just a case of looking at what we've got in terms of the departments and trying to trim it and shape it into how I see things. Unfortunately, that meant Marc leaving but we’ve talked and he’s good. He understands it and I wish him all the best for the future.”

Asked about the prospect of further changes, Hogg added: "We just need to get up and running and see how things go. We need to get a feel for each other and I’m someone who always wants to evolve things and try and do the right things for the football club and the people. As it stands, I’m just looking forward to pre-season and getting started on the grass.”

It’s just over a month since Hogg was appointed Northampton manager, and next week he will get his first opportunity to work with the squad.

"It's been good and it's been busy,” he said. “There's been lots of phone calls and meetings and organising different things to try and get prepped and make sure we're ready for the boys to come back in for pre-season.

"I've got my feet under the table with some aspects but it’s the players and the fans that make up a football club. The players come back in for testing tomorrow (Thursday) and then we'll be back on the grass next week. Once that happens, and once we get that energy and I get a feel for them and get to know them, that's when it'll feel like like we have truly started. I can’t wait for it.”