Kelvin Thomas on recruitment, trying to keep Charlie Goode and the transfer window

Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas admits the club face a challenge in trying to ward off interest in captain Charlie Goode during this summer's transfer window.

The 24-year-old initially joined the Cobblers on loan from Scunthorpe United in January 2019 before making the move permanent last summer.

Appointed captain by Keith Curle at the start of the season, Goode has been an inspirational leader for Town and was one of the key architects behind their stunning success in the League Two play-offs.

He said himself winning at Wembley was the best moment of his footballing career, and his fine form is sure to attract interest from clubs in higher divisions.

"Keith has changed Charlie's career path but it's going to be a tough summer to keep hold of him if I'm completely honest," said Thomas. "Keith and I have told Charlie what we think of him and he's obviously a big part of our plans.

"But you look at what he did all season, not just in the play-offs, and there will be - and already has been - interest in Charlie. We've turned down interest in him previously but I'm sure there will be more from the Championship and maybe even the lower end of the Premier League because I don't think he has a ceiling.

"We'll do whatever we can to keep hold of Charlie because he's improved so much under Keith, even from when last season when he came in on loan."

Curle revealed last week that he's already met with one player and that Cobblers have other 'irons in the fire' with regards to incomings - despite not yet knowing when the transfer window will open.

"The recruitment work has already begun," confirmed Thomas. "It's an interesting time because normally you would want to get a few signings in early on but we don't even know when the transfer window is going to open so we can't sign players.

"I know some other clubs have signed a few players but technically they haven't signed - they've just agreed with them.

"My guess is that the transfer window will probably open on August 1 but until then, no registrations will be accepted so we've got to get agreements in place and hope they go through in August.

"It's going to be interesting and it'll be different but the work is going on now because Keith's already meeting with players and talking to players and it's going to be a challenging, ever-moving environment this summer.

"Let's not think that it's going to be a normal summer because it'll be shorter and it'll be an interesting time but we'll make sure we're on the ball and make sure we're ready for when the season starts - whenever that is."