Lines leaves Cobblers to join Stevenage

Cobblers midfielder Chris Lines has left the club and signed for League Two side Stevenage.

The 35-year-old, whose contract was due to expire in the summer, made 49 appearances in all competitions and scored three goals for Northampton after joining the club on a two-year deal in the summer of 2019.

But just 10 of those appearances have come during the current campaign, with only one start in the league. Manager Keith Curle is keen to trim his squad to make room for incomings this month so Lines' move to Stevenage made sense for all parties.

The Cobblers now have 20 players registered of a possible 22, leaving two spaces for Curle to strengthen should he see fit.

"Chris hasn't played as much as he would have liked this season," said the Cobblers boss. "This move gives him the chance to play regular first-team football and that can only be good for him, and we of course wish Chris well.

"With the EFL rules limiting squad sizes to 22, Chris moving on also frees up a space in our squad so I think this move makes sense for all parties.

"We thank Chris for his time at the club and for the role he played in our promotion last season and we wish him every success for the future."

Lines links up with another former Cobbler at Stevenage in manager Alex Revell. Boro are just outside the relegation zone in League Two.