New Season, New Teams takes a look at the six teams that will be joining EFL Sky Bet League Two for the 2018/19 season.
Today we take a look at Northampton Town who suffered relegation from League One last season.
About Northampton Town:
- Founded: 1897
- Stadium: PTS Academy Stadium (Sixfields Stadium)
- Nickname: The Cobblers
Northampton were formed in 1897. They play their home games at the 7,798 capacity all-seater Sixfields Stadium now known as the PTS Academy Stadium, their home since 1994.
The club's nickname is 'The Cobblers' which is a reference to the town's historical shoe-making industry.
After seven successive years in League Two, the Cobblers' gained promotion to League One during the 2015/16 season. They would spend two seasons in the third tier and were relegated from League One last season.
The Manager:
Dean Austin
Dean was appointed as the club's new manager in May 2018, on a 2 year contract after an impressive spell in caretaker charge of the Cobblers since early April.
He will be tasked with getting the Cobblers back to League One as soon as possible.
The Ground:
Name: PTS Academy Stadium (Sixfields Stadium)
Capacity: 7,798
Year opened: 1994
Address: Walter Tull Way Sixfields, Northampton, NN5 5QA
Sixfields Stadium, a 7,798-capacity all-seater has been the home ground of Northampton Town since their move from the County Ground in October 1994.
Away fans are housed in the Moulton College stand, which holds 800 fans. An additional 423 seats can be allocated in the East Stand if required.
One to Watch:
John-Joe O'Toole
Irish-midfielder John-Joe joined the Cobblers in 2014 after leaving Bristol Rovers. He has gone on to play over 140 matches for Northampton, chipping in with 30 goals.
A crowd favourite, John-Joe netted six times during the 2017/18 season.
2017/18 Season In Review:
- Position: 22nd (relegated)
- Average Attendance: 5830
- Top Scorer: Chris Long - 9
The 2017/18 season was one to forget for the Cobblers as they were relegated back to League Two after two seasons in League One.
Northampton climbed as high as 18th in January but by early April had slipped back down to 22nd after a winless nine-game run.
Dean Austin took over as caretaker boss for the final few weeks of the season, but could not steer the club to safety as they were relegated on the final day of the season after drawing 2-2 with Oldham, needing a nine-goal swing for safety.
Previous Meetings:
Exeter City 0 Northampton Town 0: April 16, 2016
Northampton Town were crowned champions of League Two at St James Park despite being held to a goalless draw. Jayden Stockley hit the bar twice but City couldn't find a way past the Cobblers defence.
Northampton Town 3 Exeter City 0: August 15, 2015
City suffered their first loss of the season, as Northampton Town took all 3 points with a convincing 3-0 win at the Sixfields thanks to goals from Jason Taylor, Ryan Cresswell and Marc Richards.
Head to Head:
- Exeter City wins: 29
- Draws: 33
- Northampton Town wins: 51
Fixture release day is on Thursday, June 21, tune in from 9am to find out when City will face the Cobblers in 2018/19.