Northampton Town manager Kevin Nolan has admitted that his side’s hunt for attacking reinforcements has taken “longer than expected”, as the club continues to wait on movement higher up the football pyramid.
Despite a rapid start to the summer window, which saw nine new signings arrive by the end of June, progress has slowed in recent weeks, with the search for strikers proving particularly problematic.
Nolan Calls for Rethink After Transfer Plans Stall
Nolan, who replaced Jon Brady earlier this year, is targeting further additions up front before Saturday’s season opener. However, the Cobblers boss says the EFL’s decision to stagger the start dates across divisions has had a knock-on effect on business for clubs in the lower leagues.
“We’re building a very sound squad,” Nolan said. “But it’s difficult this year because we’re starting earlier and we’re waiting for the domino effect.”
League One and League Two kick off this weekend, a full week before the Championship and two weeks ahead of the Premier League. Nolan says that delay is obstructing lower-league sides, who often rely on loans or last-minute deals once players are made available elsewhere.
Premier League Delay Leaves Cobblers Waiting for Movement
With many top-flight clubs still finalising their own squads, players who might have been available on loan or transfer remain in limbo. As a result, EFL clubs further down the chain, like Northampton, are stuck waiting for the cascade of decisions to begin.
“Premier League clubs have the big squads but they are two weeks behind us,” Nolan added. “That’s why they aren’t releasing many players at the moment. Even the Championship is a week behind, so they’re also waiting to see what the Premier League are letting go, and then we’re waiting on them.”
Northampton have brought in 12 new players this summer, but the lack of attacking options remains a concern with the new campaign just days away. Nolan had hoped to complete the bulk of his recruitment earlier in pre-season, but acknowledged that external circumstances have prevented that.
The club remains active in the market, and more additions are expected in the coming days. However, the timing may leave little room for integration before competitive football begins.
Writer’s View
Kevin Nolan’s frustration is entirely understandable. The staggered EFL schedule, designed to accommodate broadcasting and calendar pressures, has created a bottleneck that’s hit clubs like Northampton hardest. When your recruitment model depends on late Premier League and Championship decisions, starting two weeks earlier is a serious disadvantage.
Despite the strong early business, the delay in securing forwards could leave the Cobblers undercooked in the final third when it matters most. Nolan’s honesty and clarity are refreshing, but his squad still needs firepower, and fast.
The EFL would do well to listen to managers like Nolan before next year’s calendar is finalised. If equity is the goal, the current system isn’t delivering it.
