Northampton Town chairman Cardoza admits he’s feeling the promotion pressure

And the Town chairman is hoping to team secure a play-off place as soon as possible so he can begin to relax a bit.

Cardoza, though, is still holding out for automatic promotion this season, with sixth-placed Cobblers just four points shy of third, with a game in hand.

It’s a very different situation to a year ago when the club were fearing for their Football League status.

But under the guidance of manager Aidy Boothroyd, Town’s fortunes have been transformed and, consequently, Cardoza’s expectations have increased.

“I now almost expect a good performance,” said the Sixfields supremo.

“I’m not saying winning, but a good performance because I know the players under Aidy will always give 100 per cent.

“The pressure’s there. I want to go up automatically and I want to get it done as quickly as possible so I’m not actually enjoying it very much, I just want to get it done.

“Once I know we’re definitely in the play-offs I’ll maybe relax a little bit then.”

Cardoza’s ambition is not limited to this season, though; the chairman is targeting back-to-back promotions.

He said: “I’m not going to say too much. Anything can happen. We’re certainly looking up rather than down and we’re looking at the top three, that’s where we want to be.

“It would be great to get promoted, but we’ve done it before.

“I want to go straight up and then do it again. That’s what the plan will be.

“Back-to-back promotions straight into the Championship.”