Football Season Guide

Overall, Northampton have had an up and down 2016/17 season. They had periods during which they looked like play-off candidates but also spells when they seemed in danger or relegation. However, their season may have ended differently had Justin Edinburgh not taken over for the last third of the campaign as the former Gillingham boss stopped their rot, making them a formidable home side and guiding them to safety. Edinburgh has now had the summer to make the squad his own and one noticeable factor is that the Cobblers' boss was not particularly happy with the defence he inherited. The likes of Gabriel Zakuani, Zander Diamond and Rod McDonald were all allowed to leave, with several candidates for their places signed including Leon Barnett and Aaron Pierre. The Cobblers have also brought in a number of other proven League One players such as Daniel Powell, Dean Bowditch and Sam Foley. Matt Crooks has shown glimpses of promise while on loan at Scunthorpe last season and will now be looking to truly establish himself in the division, while the most eye-catching signing of the summer is Yaser Kasim who signs from Swindon following the Robins' relegation. Questions were constantly raised regarding the Iraqi international's professionalism during his time with the Robins but, if he performs anywhere close to his best, he could form one of the league's best central midfield partnerships together with John O'Toole. All things considered, Northampton definitely seem to have a squad stronger than they had last season and they also have the momentum going their way, having been on an upwards trend since being taken over by Edinburgh.