Cobblers have been accused of over-celebrating more than once this season but they’ve also received lots of praise en route to their promotion to League One, and of course there’s been no shortage of criticism for referees and officials from all sides. Here are some of the best, worst and most amusing quotes from opposition managers over the past 10 months...
5. 'Swayed'
"We scored an equaliser that should have stood and unfortunately I think the linesman has been swayed from the first goal when he was abused by the crowd for not giving offside," said Carlisle boss Paul Simpson after his side lost 2-1 at Sixfields in December. "It was actually the correct decision (for the first goal) because (Aaron) McGowan plays Jack (Armer) onside by five yards. It was definitely onside and it was a good goal but the linesman has then made a huge error." He had a point, to be fair. Photo: Pete Norton
6. 'Best team in the league'
“To be fair, I thought Northampton were very good today and I think they are the best team in the league, genuinely. I know Orient are top at the moment but in terms of an all-round team, I think Northampton are the best in the league.' Warm words for the Cobblers from Mansfield boss Nigel Clough following the 1-1 draw on Boxing Day. Photo: Lewis Storey
7. 'I asked the fourth official and he didn't know the rule either.'
"I thought we were the better team," said Richie Wellens after his table-topping side were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Sixfields. "People will say we didn't have many chances but neither did they and we moved the ball really well. I have no idea what the rule is for the disallowed goal. I asked the fourth official and he didn't know the rule either. We had loads and loads of things go against us but we are going to lose games and we just have to take it on the chin." Photo: Pete Norton
8. 'Nonsense'
He's back again. "There have been words attributed to us from different managers in recent weeks but we have just switched off from all that nonsense and concentrated on ourselves. Everyone who is everyone said we would lose today because they have better players and better coaches and better everything, but let the second-half performance speak for itself." Evans also felt Cobblers could have been down to nine men during the 1-1 draw at Sixfields, adding: "I think any neutral who was here today would say that Northampton should have been down to 10 men and maybe we should win 4-1. I will speak to the referee to ask how there weren’t two red cards in that game.” Photo: Pete Norton