Northampton Town have recently confirmed the dismissal of Kevin Nolan. This comes after a run of six league games without a win, which leaves the club 23rd in League One and three points below safety.
Nolan joined the club in December 2024, replacing Jon Brady and successfully keeping the club above the drop zone.
But now, it looks like their next appointment will have the same goal in mind. With ten games remaining, they currently sit three points adrift of the relegation zone. However, it is a largely congested battle at the bottom of League One.
Recently losing 2-1 at home to relegation rivals Leyton Orient, the Cobblers still have some vital fixtures against their fellow strugglers remaining. This includes home fixtures against Burton Albion and Wigan Athletic, while they will also visit Doncaster Rovers and Mansfield Town.
Alarmingly, they still have a bulk of the top sides yet to face, including Stockport County, Bradford City, and Cardiff City. So, their next appointment will need to put together a quick fix if the Cobblers are to retain their League One status, with their fixtures offering little room for error.
This article will explore five options Northampton could consider for the remainder of the season.
Ryan Lowe – Unattached
Despite a difficult few years, it cannot be understated that Ryan Lowe would be an excellent appointment for most clubs in League One and League Two.
Recently dismissed by Wigan Athletic, it would not be a surprise to see Lowe make a quick return to management. More than proven at the level, at his best with Plymouth Argyle, he established a distinct, free-scoring style of play that took the Pilgrims from League Two to challenging at the sharp end of League One.
The 47-year-old is familiar with League One, but even if he was unable to keep Northampton up, his tenures with Bury and Plymouth should give confidence for their chances in the fourth tier.
Dean Brennan – Barnet
While Barnet are in the running for a play-off spot in League Two, the Cobblers could tempt away their manager.
Brennan has been excellent for the Bees, taking over while they were struggling at the wrong end of the National League. They became a force in the fifth tier for years before finally lifting the title with over 100 points in 2025.
And Barnet have continued that excellence in League Two this season. Currently sitting 10th in the table and three points outside the play-offs, they have been unfortunate not to have won games.
It is up for debate as to whether Northampton is an upgrade for Brennan, given that Barnet could still be promoted. However, the prospect of better resources, as well as location, could make the Cobblers a tempting proposition.
Alan Sheehan – Unattached
A recent player for the club, Sheehan parted ways with Swansea City earlier in the season, but is a young, upcoming manager with great potential.
As a previous player for the club, he would be warmly welcomed back to Sixfields. With Swansea, he was recognised for enforcing defensive stability at the club, but struggled at the top end of the pitch, resulting in his dismissal in November 2025.
Given that Northampton need immediate stability at the back going into their upcoming fixtures, Sheehan could be a good tactical fit for the club.
Additionally, even if they were to drop into League Two, it would give the 39-year-old freedom to build a team in his own image throughout the summer.
Gary Rowett – Unattached
Gary Rowett is a highly respected manager throughout the EFL. Recently sacked by Championship side Oxford United, with this season proving a step too far, he admirably saved the Us from relegation last season against all odds.
Regarded for building hard-working, disciplined teams, the tactical fit and experience make the 52-year-old an ideal fit for the current situation at Northampton. Whether he would drop down to a club, potentially sliding into League Two, remains to be seen, but the location does suit.
He has a pedigree with Millwall and Birmingham City in the Championship, and has regularly built sides capable of grinding out results against conventionally ‘better’ opposition.
Even as a short-term appointment, he feels like a fit that would immediately spark the upturn in results that they so desperately need.
Mark Kennedy – Unattached
Another candidate that is difficult to fully judge. Mark Kennedy was most recently in charge of Swindon Town, which was a dismal spell for both manager and club.
However, he is familiar with League One and has shown to be capable of providing stability while enforcing a “hard-to-beat” mentality, which Northampton will need to be if they are to survive.
With a background in academy football, with Manchester City and Wolves, he is best with a developmental approach to building his teams. So the prospect of Kennedy would offer promise, given a full summer, no matter which division the Cobblers find themselves in next season.