We asked a fan of each team give us their thoughts on the 2018-19 season. Have a read of their responses and enjoy!
1.In your opinion, how did 2018-19 go for your side?
The start of the campaign was truly wretched, with a lamentable two wins in our first 14 games. Warning bells were already ringing in the minds of our supporters, as a poor start last season ultimately cost us our League One status, but thankfully history did not repeat itself in that regard this year. After manager Dean Austin was relieved of his duties on 1st October and Keith Curle was brought in as his replacement, stability did return to the side and we began a slow climb up to the safety of mid-table. Overall, it was a season of much-needed consolidation.
2.What was your favourite moment in 2018-19?
A 5-0 away win against Macclesfield, featuring a Matt Crooks hat-trick, was surely the highlight. Yes, Macclesfield weren’t in the best of form at the time, but the fact remains that it was our biggest away league win since 1987.
An honourable mention must go to Junior Morias’ last-gasp equaliser for the Cobblers in our local derby at home to MK Dons. With the Dons being promoted this season, it was likely to be our last game against them for some time to come, and this pulsating 2-2 draw was a good way to leave the rivalry for now.
3.What was your worst moment in 2018-19?
4-0 losses to Colchester and Mansfield were definite lowlights. An unedifying off-field incident also came when Dean Austin bitterly disparaged his own players in an interview after the Mansfield drubbing, which brought his short managerial reign to an undignified end.
But Northampton’s worst moment in 2018/19 was their decision to sell both of the team’s star talents during the January transfer window. Striker Kevin Van Veen, albeit a wantaway, was dispatched to Scunthorpe, whilst midfield revelation Matt Crooks was sold to Rotherham for an undisclosed sum. These were two players the Cobblers could ill-afford to lose and have so far failed to replace.
4.Which player impressed you the most on your team?
Jordan Turnbull. Having been inexplicably shunned by Dean Austin, he was quickly brought into the side under Keith Curle and has been a mainstay ever since. He has played both in the midfield and at centre-back over the course of the season and has proved to be adept in both positions. An intelligent ball-player with physicality, stamina and superb vision, Turnbull is a reliable figure whom Keith Curle can build his side around next season.
5.Which opposition player made the biggest impression?
Bury’s Danny Mayor was a real livewire and looked far too good for League Two. He scored a nice goal against us and had our right-back Shay Facey floundering for 90 minutes.
6.What are your hopes for 2019-20?
Much depends on the summer recruitment process, with budgetary constraints forcing the club to mostly hunt for hidden gems rather than sign proven talent. Keith Curle’s managerial record indicates that he is a ‘steady Eddie’, so another season of stability and a mid-table finish are likely. The play-offs will be the aim once again.
7.Which area of the team needs most improvement for next season?
Northampton acted decisively in releasing eight players (and transfer listing a further three) as soon as the season finished, so there is plenty of work to be done now in strengthening almost every position. However, an initial signing has already been completed, with Stockport County midfielder Matt Warburton joining the Cobblers’ ranks.
A new striker is probably the main priority, as our top league scorer in 2018/19 was Andy Williams with just 12 goals. A good quality winger is a permanent item on the wish list- but there are precious few in League Two.
words Toby Foster, Northampton Town fan and writer