Northampton Town captain Jon Guthrie has signed a new one-year contract with an option for a further year at Sixfields.
The 32-year-old joined the Cobblers from Livingston in 2021 and has since made over 150 appearances for the club.
A Leader Both On and Off The Pitch
The centre-back hasn’t featured since New Year’s Day, picking up an ACL injury against Stevenage. He underwent surgery in January, but is said to be ‘progressing well’ as he recovers.
The former Walsall and Crewe Alexandra man started all 24 League One games this season before he picked up the long-term knee injury.
He has been a crucial player in his four years at the club, playing his part in Northampton’s promotion to League One in 2022/23 as well as helping the side establish themselves as a third-tier side, partly by leading the side to their highest-ever league finish in 16 years in 2023/24.
Although he hasn’t been able to help as much as he would’ve liked on the pitch, he is still an important part of the squad off the pitch, with manager Kevin Nolan saying:
“He has made a big impact on and off the pitch at this club over the last four years, over the last few months, I have seen how good he is off the pitch.
“We wouldn’t have awarded the contract if we didn’t feel he could come back and have an impact next season, and we are all working very hard to get Jon back, fit and ready to go as soon as possible.
“Jon is a leader in the group; he helps to set the tone and drives the standards you need. He is an excellent professional, a top character, and you can’t have too many of those in your dressing room.”
Big Summer Off The Pitch
After flirting with relegation at points last season, the Cobblers finished 19th, five points away from the drop zone, but will need a big summer rebuild if they want to achieve the same feat of staying in the division next season.
Northampton are still in contract talks with Josh Tomlinson, Max Dyche, Tariqe Fosu, Mitch Pinnock and Aaron McGowan as per their released and retained list, whilst the likes of Tyler Magloire, Jack Sowerby, James Wilson, Nik Tzanev, Ali Koiki, Liam McCarron, Harvey Lintott, Akin Odimayo, Will Hondermarck, TJ Eyoma and Reuben Wyatt have all departed Sixfields.
Writer’s View
Like many other sides in the EFL, this summer is crucial. Nolan and his team need to get their recruitment spot on if they want to have a successful season in what is another tough division next season. Keeping their captain, although currently injured, under contract, is a step in the right direction.
Guthrie provides his side with an ever-reliable cool head at the back, and having him fit again will prove to be a big boost to their survival hopes. Although he’s injured, he still appears to be a crucial piece of Northampton’s puzzle, even with only one leg.
