Northampton Town Boss Reveals Reasons For Latest Signing

Northampton Town manager Kevin Nolan says goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons deserves the opportunity at the club after spending the majority of his career in non league.

The 31-year-old rose through the ranks at Crystal Palace before he was transferred to then-Championship side Bolton Wanderers in 2014. He found opportunities at a premium at the Toughsheet Community Stadium and had to drop down the divisions in order to find regular first team football.

Simons first arrived at Chelmsford City before joining up with Nolan at Notts County in 2017. He has since represented the likes of Weymouth, Boston United and Chesterfield.

His latest spell saw him move to the National League North with Scunthorpe United. Here, he enjoyed considerable success and earned promotion with the Iron in May. The Lincolnshire-based side announced at the end of the season that they had offered the goalkeeper a fresh deal ahead of their return to the fifth tier.

Simons Makes League One Switch

It was confirmed earlier today that the Cobblers had landed Simons’ services, where he has signed a one-year deal. Speaking upon the announcement, Nolan revealed why he was so keen to bring his former player through the door:

Adding competition to the goalkeeping department! 🧤

Welcome to Northampton Town Ross Fitzsimons! ✍️

Transfer news is brought to you by @TempeoRecruit. 🤝#ShoeArmy 👞

— Northampton Town (@ntfc) June 9, 2025

“Ross is a goalkeeper I know all about.

“He did really well for me at Notts County and I know how he works, what makes him tick and how to get the best out of him.

“His performances last season were fantastic, he broke all sorts of records and picked up the goalkeeper of the year Award at the National League Awards, which says all you need to know about how well he did and he deserves this opportunity.

“He is here to challenge, support and work with Lee Burge and James Dadge, and to be part of a strong goalkeeping unit.

“He is another good character to add to the dressing room which is important.”

Writer’s View

Simons is unlikely to be the first choice goalkeeper at Sixfields but he does bring a wealth of experience. Although little of that has come in the EFL, he has grafted around the non league circuit to earn himself that opportunity. Nolan is clearly looking to add depth to his squad and avoid a repeat of last season, where the club battled against relegation for much of the campaign. This is their fourth signing of the summer, which will give them a great opportunity to bed the squad in ahead of next season.