Thomas: Goode transfer was a 'very good deal' for Cobblers

Chairman Kelvin Thomas says Charlie Goode's move to Brentford represented a 'very good deal' for the Cobblers and he's confirmed the club are 'protected' in the long-term due to various clauses included in the transfer.

Goode's outstanding season last term was always going to attract offers this summer and it was Brentford who fended off competition from QPR and Middlesbrough to secure his services on Wednesday morning.

But although a big loss on the pitch, Northampton will be boosted financially by the deal. They received a club record fee for their skipper, thought to be worth an initial seven-figure sum and potentially up to £1.5million in total due to numerous add-ons.

It is also understood they negotiated a significant sell-on clause should Goode continue his development at Brentford and be sold on further down the line.

"I think there are a lot of mixed emotions because Charlie's not only a good player but he's also a very good character and you never really want players to leave," said Thomas.

"But at the same time, you do want them to move on because you want to see them go and do great things, and financially it was also a very good deal for the club.

"As long as you get the right deal for the club, I think these moments should be celebrated, even though there is some sadness as well.

"It was a good financial deal and we're proud of the fact that we got a good deal and we didn't just roll over and sell Charlie to the first club that bid for him.

"We've protected ourselves in the long-term as well in terms of add-ons and sell on clauses and I also think Brentford feel like they got a good deal too - and maybe in 18 months or two years, they might find out they got a really good deal when they see what Charlie can do."

Thomas believes Goode's remarkable transformation at the Cobblers will only make the club a more appealing place for other players.

He added: "Charlie's development here will make the club a more attractive proposition for a lot of players and I think you've got to give credit to Simon (Tracey) and his team in the recruitment department.

"Simon identified the right player and the right character that would mix well with Keith and his staff for them to be able to develop because there was a whole process behind that.

"We also did the deal in the first place because we did invest in Charlie and we paid money for Charlie, but now all of that is validated because players will be looking at Northampton and see the potential."

Thomas also feels centre-back Fraser Horsfall, who joined on a free from Macclesfield Town last week, is the type of player that could follow in Goode's footsteps.

"Someone like Fraser will look at Charlie and think he's got a chance to develop here," he continued. "We're actually quite excited about Fraser.

"I think because he came in on a free he's gone under the radar a little bit but he's a player we actually offered money for earlier in the summer.

"It was turned down but because of the relegation, he was able to leave on a free but he's someone we've identified with a similar process to Charlie so hopefully he comes in and kicks on in the same way."