As the 2007/08 season grows ever closer, we take a look back on January from the last campaign- a month that saw the introduction of a new manager, an upturn in results and finally something to cheer about at Sixfields.
The month began with Ian Sampson still in charge and in what turned out to be his final game at the helm, the Cobblers gained a creditable draw at Yeovil on New Year’s Day. The game ended goalless and following the impressive displays in the previous couple of weeks, Sammo was on the shortlist to take the job full time.
The surprise announcement came just days later though that former Southampton boss Stuart Gray would be the Cobblers’ new manager. Gray’s record in management was far from spectacular but the appointment seemed a similar choice to four seasons ago when the Cardozas plumped for Colin Calderwood, then a young manager who wanted a chance to shine.
During the new year period and as the transfer window loomed, Cardoza placed all three of our front men on the transfer list. Scott McGleish, Andy Kirk and James Quinn were, however, all in the squad for Stuart Gray’s first game in charge, at Prenton Park, Tranmere. Rovers were stunned when McGleish gave us an early lead and it looked like a fantastic start for the new boss until the 87th minute when John Mullin pounced to send us home with just a point.
The following weekend and Gray got the chance to send out his team in front of the home crowd for the first time as Carlisle United visited Sixfields. In an entertaining game, the Cobblers stormed into a 3-0 lead as an Andy Kirk goal on the stroke of half time and two more from Scott McGleish looked to have eased us to victory. It’s never that easy with the Cobblers though and Carlisle hit back with quick fire goals from Danny Graham and Kevin Gall in the last ten minutes to set up a nervy ending. But we hung on to a crucial victory and the feel-good factor was back at Sixfields in time for the re-arranged game with Millwall the following Tuesday evening.
Following the controversy over the initial game, abandoned in late December, ‘Wall were determined to finish the job but this was a different Cobblers outfit and after a goalless first half, the Town hit three goals again. McGleish was first on the score sheet with what turned out to be his final goal for the club before Andy Holt and Bradley Johnson sealed the win late on.
In the week that followed, top scorer Scott McGleish was sold to Wycombe Wanderers following his best spell at the club all season! Meanwhile, Jordan Robertson joined the club on loan from Sheffield United and Marc Laird also came in from Manchester City on a similar deal.
Laird and Robertson were both second half substitutes in the final game of January as high flying Oldham Athletic came to town. Ritchie Wellens put Oldham in front before Andy Kirk replied on 24 minutes. The visitors were too strong though and second half goals from Paul Warne and the prolific Chris Porter put them 3-1 ahead. With just minutes to spare, Robertson sealed a fine debut by firing a late goal but it was too late and Stuart Gray had suffered his first defeat as manager.
The final act in the transfer window came as Kenny Deuchar signed for the club from Scottish First Division outfit Gretna. The good doctor would play a major part in the club’s battle to beat the League One drop and also set up a masterful idea come the final day of the season.
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