'Nothing is set in stone' - Calderwood on retained list and new manager plans

The club are closing in on a new boss and an announcement could be made soon after Saturday’s final game of the season against Plymouth Argyle, although no decision has yet been made.

Clubs usually release their retained lists within a week of the season finishing but Cobblers may have to push that back given the circumstances.

"We’re still nudging forward on the process to appoint a new manager but we’re not there yet,” said Calderwood. “In terms of players and the retained list, everyone is aware of where they stand, more or less, and we have moved quite quickly on that.

"Nothing is set in stone because of our situation and the retained list will come out at an appropriate point. It’s a very fluid situation. When people say ‘yes, we’re going to offer you a new contract’, it can go both ways. If there are some nos but the new manager really wants to keep them, I imagine they’ll definitely try and re-engage. Everyone is aware of the situation and most will understand some of the decisions that we’ve made.”

On the mood in training ahead of Saturday’s final game, Calderwood added: "You’ve got to get on with the job and you do it with energy and to the best of your ability. Sports people have to get on with disappointment and everything that comes with it. We have to try and transmit positive vibes into a positive result on Saturday.”