Take your virtual spot at the PTS! Cobblers launch 'Cobbler in the Crowd' scheme for play-offs

Cobblers supporters may not be able to attend the play-offs in person but they now have a chance to take their virtual spot at the PTS Academy Stadium thanks to the club's new 'Cobbler in the Crowd' scheme.

Launched today (Friday), the scheme will allow fans to have their own faces in the stands for the semi-final against Cheltenham Town in the form of a Foamex cut-out.

Cobblers have been back in training this week in preparation for the League Two play-offs but even once the fixtures are ratified by the EFL - expected to confirmed early next week - fans will be unable to attend in person due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But the club still hope to fill the PTS with cut-outs of supporters positioned on seats around the ground. It costs £25 to get involved and fans can also send video messages wishing the players good luck, which are to be shown on social media, inside the dressing room and on the big screen in the stadium.

"As of today it looks like the play-offs are going to happen and we’re delighted to have qualified," read a club statement. "But we will miss the physical presence of the Shoe Army who, due to the current Covid 19 restrictions, will not be allowed inside the stadium to watch the play-off games.

"We know the Shoe Army will be with us in spirit and now you can guarantee your presence at the game by purchasing a Cobbler in the Crowd Cut Out and be 'virtually' there as the Cobblers take on Cheltenham Town to win a place in the play-off final, and for the winners of that, a spot in League 1 next season, at stake!

"As a Cobbler in the Crowd you can arrange to have your own face in the stand or alternatively this would make a fantastic Father's Day gift, a birthday present for a loved one or even a tribute to someone no longer with us who used to enjoy Northampton Town games.

"The package includes your (or a loved one's) head and shoulders photo on a Foamex cut-out and positioned on a seat in the stand. The cut-outs will be signed by a player or a member of the coaching staff before supporters can collect them when it is safe to do so.

"To be a Cobbler in the Crowd costs just £25 and to take part please visit ntfcdirect.co.uk/match-tickets.aspx. Once you have placed your order via ntfcdirect.co.uk you will receive a confirmation email (remember to check your spam folders!).

"This email will contain your booking reference number. Please then email your photo, name and address along with your booking reference number in the title of the email to [email protected] The closing date for orders and photos is 5pm on June 14."

To see your photo in the crowd, the club requires fans to send in a good quality head and shoulders picture taken as a portrait. You must be in a light place, have a plain background and be positioned in the centre of the picture.

On video messages, the club added: "We also want your video messages of good luck for the players too! We’ll add these videos together and share the montage on social media, on the big screen and in the dressing room.

"You can speak, shout or sing the words, hold up a sign, be in your shirt, your scarf - the choice is yours! Please film in landscape and keep the video to 5 seconds duration (no longer please).

"Please adhere to current Government guidelines when filming & keep to social distancing rules. To submit your video, please email [email protected] - the closing date is noon two days before the first leg. Thank you for your support!"

Due to time pressure and logistics, Northampton are unable to accept request for specific seats. All images will be approved by the club and any images deemed unacceptable will not be produced and you will not receive a refund.