The club appointed new boss Chris Hogg last month, and he has a big job on his hands following the team’s collapse in the second half of the 2024/25 season. Nesta Guinness-Walker and Cameron McGeehan both left this week, following the likes of Michael Jacobs, Jack Vale and Tom Eaves. Nonetheless, 16 players are currently either under contract or on loan for next season, and here’s a position-by-position guide as to where Cobblers most need to strengthen…
1. Goalkeeper
Under contract / On loan: Ross Fitzsimons, Zach Jeacock. Priority rating: 1/10 - Following Jeacock's arrival from Lincoln, the goalkeeping position now looks sorted for the new season, barring unexpected developments Photo: Alex Pantling
2. Right-back
Under contract: Joe Wormleighton, Jack Burroughs. Priority rating - 4/10. Again, this is not a position that Cobblers desperately need to strengthen, especially if Wormleighton can stay fit. He showed promise in his debut campaign and should be better for the experience. A lot hinges on what Hogg wants out of his full-backs Photo: Pete Norton
3. Right-footed centre-back
Under contract: Elliott Moore, Conor McCarthy, Max Dyche. Priority rating: 5/10. Cobblers have numbers here but their defensive record in the second half of 2024/25 was so poor that Hogg wouldn't be blamed for wanting to overhaul the defence, though it's unlikely to be top of the list Photo: Pete Norton
4. Left-footed centre-back
Under contract: Jon Guthrie. Priority rating: 7/10 - If Hogg values balance in his centre-back pairing, a left-footer will be near the top of the agenda, especially following confirmation of Guinness-Walker's departure Photo: Pete Norton