Northampton Town Next Manager Odds: Will Sampson Make Cobblers Job His Own?

Northampton Town find themselves in desperate trouble at the wrong end of League One, and the pressure ultimately proved too much for Kevin Nolan, who was relieved of his duties on March 10. 

The former Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham midfielder recorded just one win in his last 16 league games, leaving the Cobblers languishing in 23rd place - three points from safety with only 10 matches remaining. 

Despite keeping the club up last season and sitting as high as 12th in mid-December, results collapsed catastrophically after Christmas, culminating in a 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon that sealed his fate. 

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Technical director Colin Calderwood has stepped in on an interim basis, assisted by club legend Ian Sampson, as the Sixfields board searches for the manager to save their season.

Betting sites have installed Sampson as the early favourite to replace Nolan, but there are several other names in the frame.

We take a look at the leading candidates and the latest next Northampton Town manager odds.

Can Sampson Rescue The Cobblers?

Few people are more synonymous with Northampton Town than Sampson. 

The 56-year-old made 449 appearances for the Cobblers as a player and managed the club between 2009 and 2011, winning the League Two Manager of the Month in January 2010 and overseeing one of the club's most memorable nights - beating Liverpool at Anfield on penalties in the League Cup.

Currently embedded in the dressing room as Calderwood's assistant, chairman Kelvin Thomas has openly acknowledged Sampson as a genuine contender for the permanent role.

His biggest challenge may be his lack of full-time management experience at this level, but the familiarity, the connection and the timing could all work in his favour and he is currently the 7/4 favourite on betting apps.

Next Northampton Town Manager Odds:

Lowe Ready To Rebuild Reputation

Ryan Lowe has an impressive lower-league pedigree, having guided both Bury and Plymouth to promotion from League Two before taking charge at Preston. 

His most recent role ended when he was sacked by Wigan in February after just 11 months in charge, following a 6-1 defeat to Peterborough that left the Latics in the relegation zone. 

Lowe will be desperate to rebuild his reputation and Northampton could be the ideal platform. 

There would be added motivation too, given that Wigan are among the clubs Northampton are battling to stay above, and he is 15/8 for the role.

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Woodman Has Plenty Of Pedigree

Andy Woodman (2/1) spent several years at Northampton as a player in the 1990s before a coaching career that took him to West Ham, Charlton, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Arsenal. 

Since taking the Bromley job in March 2021, he has thrived as a manager, guiding the Ravens from the National League to EFL League Two, winning the 2022 FA Trophy and achieving promotion via the play-offs. 

He recently oversaw a stunning five-win run at the turn of the year that saw Bromley top the table going into 2026.

Woodman has Bromley on the brink of promotion to League One and compensation would be required to tempt him away, but his connection to the Cobblers make him a compelling option.

Is This Sheehan's Moment?

Alan Sheehan (5/2) has impressed greatly during two caretaker spells at Swansea City, most notably steering the Swans to safety last season with five consecutive wins, earning him a permanent three-year deal. 

However, just four wins in 15 league games at the start of the campaign proved to be his undoing, with a 4-1 home defeat to Ipswich sealing his fate with Swansea sitting 18th in the Championship.

Still only 39, the former Luton Town captain has a strong coaching background having worked at Luton, Southampton and Swansea, and will be hungry to prove himself in management again. 

He was reportedly in the frame for the Oxford United vacancy earlier this season before withdrawing, and Northampton could suit him perfectly.

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Moore Leads Chasing Pack

Darren Moore (7/2) was sacked by Port Vale in December with the Valiants bottom of League One, but has plenty of third-tier experience and will be hungry to bounce back. 

Darrell Clarke (4/1) was also dismissed in December, departing Bristol Rovers having failed to rediscover his best form there. 

Michael Appleton (9/2) left Shrewsbury by mutual consent in January, with the club perilously close to the League Two drop zone, while Andy Crosby (5/1) is available after being sacked by Tranmere Rovers.

Andy Peaks (6/1) is the romantic choice - the Northampton-born boss has worked wonders at Tamworth, achieving back-to-back promotions and a famous FA Cup run.

Meanwhile, current interim Calderwood (8/1) cannot be ruled out if results improve, though he has stated he's not keen on a full-time role.

* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.

Who do you think should replace Kevin Nolan at Northampton? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.