Former Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton has emerged as a contender for the vacant manager’s role at Northampton Town.
Paul Ince joins him as the leading candidates for the vacant Cobblers’ job. They are seeking a replacement for Jon Brady, who stepped down last week with the club sitting in 21st place in the table.
Appleton and Ince Lead the Race
Appleton, who has also had two separate spells managing Blackpool, is currently without a job after being sacked by Charlton Athletic in September 2023. His first stint at Bloomfield Road was brief, lasting just 11 games before he left for Blackburn Rovers. Appleton returned in June 2022 but was dismissed in January 2023 with Blackpool languishing in 23rd place in the Championship.
Meanwhile, Paul Ince, a former England international and Manchester United midfielder, last managed Reading, where he was sacked in April 2023. His time at Blackpool began in February 2013 following Appleton’s departure. Despite a strong start to the 2013-14 season, Ince was dismissed in January 2014 after a poor run of results.
The managerial vacancy has also attracted interest from other notable figures, including former Wales boss Rob Page, ex-Fleetwood manager Scott Brown, and media pundit Robbie Savage. The Cobblers’ next appointment will have the immediate challenge of lifting the side out of the relegation zone and building momentum in the second half of the season.
Managerial Odds
According to the bookmakers, Appleton is the narrow favourite at 9/2, followed closely by Ince and Page, both priced at 5/1. Other contenders include Andy Peaks (11/2), Savage (13/2), and Gary Rowett (8/1). Former Sunderland manager Lee Johnson and ex-Celtic player Scott Brown are also in the mix at 10/1 and 9/1, respectively.
Despite their lacklustre records at Blackpool, both Appleton and Ince bring experience managing at higher levels. Northampton’s board will need to weigh their familiarity with League One against the club’s immediate needs and long-term ambitions.
Writer’s View
The appointment of Michael Appleton or Paul Ince would represent a gamble for Northampton. Both managers have struggled to make lasting impacts at previous clubs but bring a wealth of experience in managing through difficult situations. Northampton must ensure that their next manager has the strategic vision to stabilise the team and guide them away from the relegation zone. The Cobblers’ decision will likely define their season—and potentially their future in League One.