Cobblers release youngsters Warburton and Clifton

The pair have been told they will be leaving the club when their first-year contracts, which they signed in the summer, expire on December 31.

Left-back Warburton, who is the son of former Cobblers captain Ray, and midfielder Clifton have been playing on loan at Rugby Town in the Evo-Stik Northern League, and will continued to do so until their contracts run out.

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder explained the decision, saying: “We thought it was fair to make this decision early so they can have a head start for the January transfer window.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the attitude of both players.

“They have been good to work with and I wish both every success in their future careers.”

Neither player has been able to force their way into the first-team picture at Sixfields, and with the likes of Chris Hackett and Evan Horwood currently failing to even make the matchday squad, their chances of doing so were highly unlikely.