Kevin Nolan has revealed Northampton Town are keeping tabs on several free agents but insists there is no pressure to strengthen immediately.
The Cobblers manager is content with his squad after back-to-back victories but confirmed he will act if the right player becomes available.
Patience in the Market
Nolan, alongside Sixfields technical director Colin Calderwood, has been tracking out-of-contract talent since the window closed last week. With chairman Kelvin Thomas willing to sanction signings when required, the club remain in a strong position should the right opportunity arise.
“There are a lot of very good players who are free agents this summer,” Nolan said. “You only have to look at the players who left us at the end of last season – quite a few are still waiting for clubs. I’m sure if I want anybody else, the club and Kelvin would back me. We’ll take our time with it but right now we’re in a good place.”
The free agent market features several familiar names, including former Cobblers Aaron McGowan, Akin Odimayo, Jack Sowerby, Tariqe Fosu and Ali Koiki. While Nolan admits the calibre is there, he stressed that balance within the squad must not be unsettled.
Focus on Progress
Northampton’s recent upturn in form has underlined Nolan’s confidence in his current group. Performances are improving, and with momentum building, the priority is to maintain standards rather than chase quick fixes.
“With this group we can have a lot of good times, like we had at Orient,” Nolan added. “We can still get better, and that’s what we’ll keep demanding. I’m really pleased with how the summer went and where we are.”
The Cobblers return to action this weekend looking to stretch their winning run, with Nolan insisting any further additions will only be made if they raise the level of what is already a competitive squad. However, with two of last season’s promotion chasers up next, Wycombe and Blackpool, things are only going to get more challenging.
Writer’s View
Nolan’s stance is a pragmatic one. Free agency can provide short-term solutions, but it also carries the risk of unsettling momentum. By choosing patience, Northampton are showing faith in the squad already assembled while keeping the flexibility to act if needed.
With the team beginning to find rhythm under their new manager, stability could prove more valuable than a hasty signing. However, knowing they struggled in the market, Nolan has to talk up the free agents, rather than admit they’re the second, third or fourth choices.
