More players could depart Cobblers in January

Keith Curle is encouraging Cobblers' fringe players to look elsewhere if they want more regular game-time this season as he continues the process of trimming his squad during the January transfer window.

Luka Racic had his loan spell from Brentford ended last week while Chris Lines left for Stevenage and Ricky Holmes' contract has not yet been renewed with Curle looking to strengthen in other positions. Blackpool loanee Joe Nuttall was also removed from the squad list.

However, the Town chief has only two spaces currently available in his 22-man squad so other players may well follow Lines and Racic out the door if clubs express an interest.

And Curle believes that for those players out of contract in the summer, the opportunity of regular game-time is one they should pursue for the good of their careers.

"It's not so much making room in the squad, the fact is there are players who have not had the game-time that their careers need if they want longevity," said Curle.

"Every player looks at the short-term because they want to be in the team next week but the longer view is: are they playing consistently and getting regular game-time? If not, then would they be better off taking another option to play more games between now and the end of the season?

"If their contract is up at the end of the season, they need to give themselves the best opportunity to be in the shop window to gain another contract next season because I think it will be even more difficult this summer.

"There will be a host of players out of contract at the end of the season and they will all want new contracts. The best thing is to have a record of playing games in the previous season to show you are fit and able.

"Scouts and managers will look at those games to make a better assessment. If you have a player who has only played a sprinkling of games the season before, they might turn to somebody else who has played a full campaign of competitive football."