Football Season Review

Northampton Town had to settle for a mid-table finish as manager Keith Curle halted their slide down the table. There looked a real possibility the Cobblers might suffer back-to-back relegations after making a poor start to the season under manager Dean Austin. He was given the job despite relegation from League One but was sacked after winning just one of their opening ten matches. The experienced Curle was appointed as his successor and won four of his first seven league games as the side climbed clear of any relegation battle. Curle’s managerial style can be described as unorthodox and he made changes to formation and personnel through the season. His decision to allow striker Kevin van Veen to leave in January came as a disappointment to many supporters and none of the players he brought in made an impact. An inconsistent second-half of the campaign saw them finish in 15th place in the table. David Cornell was an ever-present between the sticks whilst striker Andy Williams finished as leading scorer with a dozen goals. Centre-back Aaron Pierre was voted player of the season and was the best of a mediocre bunch. Curle has already allowed several influential players to leave the club as he looked to build his own squad in the hope they can make a realistic challenge for the play-offs next season.

Player of the Season: Aaron Pierre