League One manager resigns after winless six-match run leaves club in the relegation zone – as chairman admits they are a ‘wounded animal’

Northampton have announced Jon Brady has resigned as the Sky Bet League One outfit’s manager.

The Cobblers are currently 21st in the table, with Tuesday’s 2-0 loss at Stevenage extending their winless run in the league to six games.

Having previously worked within the club’s academy and then been caretaker boss, Brady was appointed to the job on a permanent basis in May 2021, just after they had been relegated from League One.

He subsequently oversaw their promotion back to the third tier in 2022-23, before the team then finished 14th last season.

Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas said in a statement from the club: ‘Upon receiving Jon’s resignation yesterday, the board of directors have discussed matters and given the circumstances have agreed to accept.

‘We really appreciate what Jon has done for the club, initially within the academy and over the last four years or so as first team manager.

‘I personally appreciated Jon’s kind words earlier this week when he acknowledged how well supported he had been by the club, however we also all fully understand the real pressures that come with being a manager and while we all would have preferred things to be different, we understand Jon’s decision. We will now work with Jon and the LMA (League Managers Association) on his exit agreement.

‘In the meantime we are fortunate that we have a talented, passionate and experienced staff, headed up by Ian Sampson, to oversee things in the interim and allow us the time to work through matters. 

‘We also firmly believe we have both the talent and quality within the squad and every confidence in the players at the club.

‘It is clear we are a bit of a wounded animal on the pitch at the moment, but we know that the Cobblers supporters will always step up when needed and are sure they will get behind the lads at Sixfields on Monday (when Northampton play Peterborough).’