Football Season Review

Northampton are coming from a difficult season that ended in their relegation after only two years in the third tier. The Cobblers' board was never known to be particularly patient with managers and opted to part ways with Justin Edinburgh only four games into the season after seeing the side lose all four of their opening matches. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, looking to rebuild his reputation following an ill-fated spell at QPR, took over, and the Dutch manager started his time in charge by collecting seven points from his opening three games in charge. However, it soon became clear that the managerial change would not solve all of the Cobblers' problems, as they then went on a seven-game losing run and pretty much always looked set for relegation, apart from a couple of decent spells that they had in mid November and in January. The worst was yet to follow, as the Cobblers went on a ten-game winless streak between mid February and early April, with this run resulting in Hasselbaink being relieved of his duties and with coach Dean Austin taking over. The results and performances both improved under Austin, but the Cobblers were left with too much to do and had their relegation confirmed in the penultimate round. Despite the relegation, the board opted to name Austin their permanent manager and he will be tasked with first guiding the Cobblers straight back and then stabilizing them as a League One club.

Player of the Season: John-Joe O'Toole