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…
5. Left-back
Under contract: Jack Perkins. Priority rating 9/10 - Perkins impressed in the role last season but he might be better utilised in midfield next term. Guinness-Walker's exit means one new left-back is definitely needed, potentially two if Hogg sees Perkins playing in midfield Photo: Pete Norton
6. Wing-back
Under contract: Jack Burroughs, Joe Wormleighton, Jack Perkins, Kamarai Swyer, Sam Hoskins. Priority rating: 4/10 (higher if Hogg wants to play three at the back) - Cobblers have plenty of players who can fill in here but they lack specialists should Hogg intend to operate with a wing-back system Photo: Pete Norton
7. Central midfield
Under contract: Dean Campbell, Liam Shaw, Jack Perkins, Tyrese Fornah. Priority rating: 6/10 - This depends a a lot on Shaw's fitness. If he's 100% and back to his best, he'll be like a new signing, while Perkins, Campbell and Fornah should all be good options for League Two. Photo: Pete Norton
8. Attacking midfield / number 10
Under contract: Kamarai Swyer, Elliott List. Priority rating: 10/10 - A big area of focus. The lack of creativity and guile between the lines was a huge issue last season and they must inject pace and inventiveness into the side this summer. McGeehan's goals will also need to be replaced Photo: Pete Norton