Kevin Nolan insists Northampton Town are reaping the benefits of a focused recruitment drive after an impressive run of five wins from their last six fixtures.
The Cobblers made wholesale changes in the summer with 17 new arrivals at Sixfields, and after a bedding-in period the squad has begun to show consistency in League One and the cup.
Summer Business Bearing Fruit
During the close season, Nolan worked closely with Colin Calderwood to implement a recruitment strategy centred on hunger and desire. The former Notts County manager stressed that only players fully committed to the club would be signed, a stance that is now reflected in results. No League One side has collected more than Northampton’s 12 points over the last five games.
Nolan underlined how important buy-in has been across the squad. Players were challenged to prove their commitment before joining, and those who signed did so knowing what was expected. That approach has helped to shape a group that now appears well-balanced and motivated.
Nolan on Player Attitude
“We’re delighted with our form and it shows that the hard work we put in during the summer in terms of recruitment, and in pre-season, is paying off for us.
“The players are really buying into it every day and you need that. I said to all of the new boys when they signed for us, whether it was over Zoom or a meeting in person, if you have any doubts, we are not the club for you.
“Some of them had a little chuckle at that but I only want players who are all-in, and now we have a strong group who want to work with us and who want to do well and who want to get better as players.”
Nolan also highlighted the hunger and determination running through his squad, stressing that none of the new arrivals are simply seeing Northampton as a stepping stone. With players pushing each other in training, he believes competition is driving performance levels higher across the board.
He added that the challenge now is to maintain focus:
“All of the players are pushing each other and it’s important that they keep their feet on the ground and keep performing and if we do that, the results will take care of themselves. We said that a few weeks ago when results weren’t going our way.”
Writer’s View
Nolan’s words echo a manager confident that his squad-building has struck the right balance, which is hilarious given that he was blasting their recruitment ahead of the season starting.
Seventeen arrivals could easily have disrupted cohesion, yet Northampton appear to have gelled quickly. With form improving and a clear culture established, the Cobblers look well placed to climb the League One table. For supporters, the evidence is clear: a determined summer strategy is beginning to pay dividends on the pitch.
