Kelvin Thomas remains hopeful that the deal to bring outside investment into the Cobblers will be completed before the start of the 2026/27 League Two season.

Talks with an unnamed investment group – previously described as ‘well-funded’ and ‘serious’ by Thomas – have been going on since the middle of April when the club first announced the possibility of a deal. While negotiations between the two parties have progressed largely as expected, the need for the deal to be ratified by both the EFL and the newly-introduced Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has prolonged the process.

Nonetheless, the deal remains on track and some of the proposed investors were in attendance at Sixfields on Saturday to watch Northampton’s pre-season friendly against Coventry City.

"We’re in decent shape with that,” confirmed Thomas on Wednesday morning. “I said in my last update that we were hoping to get it sorted by the start of the season and I would say that we’re still on track for that. We have agreed pretty much everything.

"You used to be able to sign contracts pending EFL approval but the regulations don’t allow you to do that anymore, however we are in a position to be able to sign agreements once we get approval from the EFL and the IFR. The investors are going through both processes and we can’t control that timing.

"We can ask questions and provide information but we are in good shape. Six or seven of the investors were at the game with family and friends on Saturday and they were really excited by what they saw. It's a very thorough process we have to go through so we’ll carry on with that and wait for it to happen. It’s all looking positive and we’re heading in the right direction.”

Cobblers made their sixth summer signing on Tuesday when they announced the arrival of 19-year-old striker Matty Warhurst on a three-year deal from Manchester City.

"Matty is a big one and it being a permanent signing is important,” Thomas added. “We saw what happened with Ethan (Wheatley) last season and how that impacted us. These situations aren't always easy but James (Whiting) and the tam did a good job getting that over the line.

"As always there are some signings that get people excited and other signings that might not but I think we have a good solid core and there are obviously still some additions to come.

"I’m excited for the season. We’ll continue to drive the club, with or without the investment, and I think the Matty signing proves that because that’s not based on the investment, it was just a good opportunity for the club.”