Kevin Nolan insists there are “no sulkers” in the Northampton Town dressing room after leaving several senior players out of his matchday squad against Blackpool.
The Cobblers made it three straight League One wins with a surprise 1-0 success at Sixfields, underlining their growing momentum early in the campaign.
Competition For Places Growing
With Kamarai Swyer fit again and new arrival Kyle Edwards available, Nolan had a full squad to choose from at the weekend. Both men made the bench, but there was no room for Jordan Willis, Michael Forbes, Joe Wormleighton or Michael Jacobs.
Despite that, the Cobblers’ boss stressed the positive attitude within the camp. He said after the match:
“These lads have come here and they want to play for the club and that shows on the pitch. They are disappointed when they don’t play but they aren’t sulking about it and grumbling and not getting ready. There’s going to be big contributions from everyone this season and they will all get opportunities.”
Nolan added that the unity of his group is crucial to sustaining results across a long League One campaign, noting that the players left out are maintaining focus and preparing properly for their chance to return.
Impact From The Bench
The strength of Northampton’s squad was highlighted when substitutes Jordan Thorniley, Tom Eaves and Jack Buroughs all came on to help swing the game back in the Cobblers’ favour during a tense second half. Their impact allowed Nolan’s side to weather Blackpool pressure and hold on for the win.
“The lads that came on helped wrestle the momentum back and it shows what this group is about,” Nolan reflected. “They are working hard for each other and it was nice to sing the song in the dressing room afterwards.”
The victory keeps Northampton moving in the right direction after an inconsistent start, with Nolan keen to build a culture where every player contributes regardless of role.
Writer’s View
Squad depth has long been a weakness for Northampton at League One level, but Nolan now appears to have genuine options across the pitch. The key is how he manages that competition without disrupting morale, and his comments suggest he is striking the right balance.
The willingness of substitutes to make an impact, and the absence of discontent among those left out, reflects a healthy dressing room dynamic. If that continues, the Cobblers’ strong team spirit could prove as valuable as any tactical tweak in their bid to challenge further up the table.
