Kevin Nolan reflects on one year in charge of Cobblers
Kevin Nolan has been reflecting on his first year in charge of Cobblers.
Nolan, who was named Jon Brady’s replacement on December 23rd, 2024, has overseen 51 games in all competitions during his 12 months in charge, winning 19, drawing 12 and losing 20. After taking charge with Cobblers 20th and on 21 points from 21 games in League One, Nolan’s side go into Christmas this year sitting 12th with 27 points from 20 games.
"It’s been a busy year and one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed,” said Nolan. “I’m delighted that I took the opportunity to apply for the job and then get the job and I’m thankful that I’m in a job. There’s only 92 of us managers who get an opportunity to manage in the Football League.
"To get to a year in charge is a good achievement but I want to keep going and keep progressing the club on and off the pitch and hopefully my relationship with the owners, the chairman, the CEO and my staff can continue to blossom. My staff have given me so much support and help, as have my family, and I’m very thankful for that.
"It's been an important year for me to get back into management and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I want to keep striving and keep pushing and keep getting better, both individually and collectively as a club, and I’m proud to be here and proud of our work so far.”
On the plan for the Christmas week ahead of visiting Burton on Boxing Day, Nolan added: "We were in on Monday and Tuesday and we’ll train again on Christmas Eve and then I’ve given the lads Christmas Day off so they can spend time with their families. They need to stay professional and keep away from temptation but these boys have young families and it’s important they have quality time with their children.
"I was on both sides of it as a player and I know which one I preferred so it was always something I planned to do when I moved into management and have that trust in my players to do the right things.
"But our focus is on picking up another good result on Boxing Day. It’s going to be tough because Gary has done a fantastic job at Burton. We have nice memories from last time but that was a year ago and we now need to go and make more good memories.”