The look back on the 2006/07 season continues as we head into a very eventful December, a month that saw the worst performance of the season, a managerial exit, a Cobblers legend taking the reigns and a controversial Sixfields abandonment.
The month began at Underhill and the FA Cup Second round tie with League Two side Barnet. The Cobblers went in as clear favourites to reach the promised land of the Third Round but this tag once again worked against us. Despite Scott McGleish heading us into the lead on the stroke of half-time, we suffered an almighty collapse in the second half as Barnet hit back with four to wreck our cup dreams for another season! Adam Burchall began the rout with an equaliser before Dean Sinclair put the Bees in front. It was then down to two ex-Cobblers to put the final nails in the coffin as first an Ian Hendon penalty and then a Magno Viera strike put us out of the competition.
The following Tuesday night and we were back on the road, this time travelling to Chesterfield in a goalless draw that did little to lift the spirits after the Underhill defeat just days before.
Back at Sixfields and we entertained Doncaster Rovers, looking to steer the home form around. But Rovers had different ideas and late goals from Paul Heffernan and Lewis Guy gave the visitors a 2-0 win and all three points, pushing us closer and closer to the drop zone as Christmas approached.
It was our away form that was keeping us afloat and above the relegation places and another decent away point followed the disappointment of the Doncaster defeat. A visit to the Galpharm Stadium to face Huddersfield Town started well as Joe Burnell fired the Cobblers into a 16th minute lead but a Danny Schofield equaliser in the second half gave Huddersfield a deserved point.
The next home game would see the end of the line for John Gorman. After Paul Conner gave fellow strugglers Leyton Orient a 1-0 win at Sixfields, Gorman resigned, citing “personal reasons” for his departure. Though results hadn’t been great, it was still an unexpected announcement from the former Swindon Town and Wycombe man. It was maybe too soon for Gorman to return to such a high profile and stressful position following the sad loss of his wife and his departure from Wycombe. He is now employed at Southampton as a scout and we wish him all the best in his new role.
Back to the season and the Cobblers were now on the lookout for a new man at the helm. Ian Sampson and Jim Barron would oversee the Christmas fixture list while David Cardoza began the search for the new boss. Sammo’s name was in the frame and was an obvious and popular choice from the fans’ point of view while other names being banded about were the likes of Phil Parkinson, Andy Ritchie and even Ian Atkins!
Sammo and Barron’s first game in charge was the tough trip to Oldham and we were totally outplayed and beaten by first half goals from Gary McDonald and Chris Porter plus a second half strike by Andy Liddell in a 3-0 reverse.
There was, however, some Christmas cheer at last when Cheltenham Town came a visiting on Boxing Day as two goals from Scott McGleish (one a penalty) gave us the double over one of our bogey sides of the past few seasons.
2006 ended in controversy, rain and some very angry Londoners. I remember on the way up to Northampton from the south for the home game with Millwall and starting out by thinking what a nice day it was. As we got closer to Northampton the rain began though and it was clear that the sunny weather would not be returning. There were doubts about the game from the second it started as the pitch increasingly looked unplayable. Paul Hubertz fired ‘Wall in front but this cued the gutsiest and battling performances from the Cobblers we’d seen all season. We got to half-time still a goal down but the passion and effort shown by the team was encouraging enough for fans to sing for Sammo as the manager full time!
The game went on and the rain went on as the Cobblers were frustrated at every attempt. With Millwall still 1-0 up, the game was suddenly abandoned on 68 minutes, sparking angry scenes from the south stand as the usually hot headed ‘Wall supporters grew even more agitated. The game would be replayed later in the season.
So 2006 came to an end with the Cobblers hovering just above the drop zone and without a manager. In a shock move, chairman David Cardoza put all three forwards on the transfer list ahead of the January window and a cloud of uncertainty hung over Sixfields as 2007 approached.
Luckily, the sun was about to come out on the season…
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