Sixfields has seen some things, hasn't it? If you’ve been following the 2025/26 League One campaign, you know the vibe around the Northampton Town F.C. standings is basically one long, collective holding of breath. One week you’re looking at the drop zone with a grimace, and the next, a gritty result makes the mid-table look like a realistic vacation spot.
Honestly, being a Cobblers fan right now is a full-time job for your nerves. As of mid-January 2026, the club is sitting in 20th place. That’s 29 points from 24 games. It sounds precarious because, well, it is. But the table is a liar if you don't look at the context. We’re currently level on points with Blackpool, Leyton Orient, and Barnsley. One win could catapult the team into 17th; one loss could see us swallowed by the bottom four.
The fear is real. Burton Albion is breathing down our necks with 27 points. But there's a weird kind of optimism floating around too.
The Kevin Nolan Factor and the Mid-Season Pivot
Wait, did I mention Kevin Nolan? Yeah, if you missed the memo, the managerial landscape at Sixfields shifted significantly after Jon Brady resigned back in late 2024. Seeing Brady resurface at Port Vale earlier this month—literally on January 6, 2026—was a bit of a gut punch for some, especially since he’s now trying to save the side currently rooted to the bottom of the table. But back to us.
Under Nolan, Northampton has become... stubborn. We aren’t exactly playing prime Barcelona football, but we're harder to beat. The recent form shows a mix of grit and "how did we let that slip?" moments. A 0-0 draw at Bolton Wanderers recently showed the defensive spine is there. Holding a promotion-chaser like Bolton to a stalemate on their own turf isn't small fry. It’s exactly the kind of result that keeps you up when the season reaches the "squeaky bum time" in April.
The win against Walsall in the Vertu Trophy (4-2, for those counting) on January 14th was a massive shot in the arm. Kamarai Swyer bagged two, Sam Hoskins did his usual Sam Hoskins thing, and Tom Eaves buried a penalty. It’s a cup game, sure, but confidence is a currency in a relegation battle.
Why the Northampton Town F.C. Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
People look at 22 goals scored in 24 league matches and think we’re toothless. Sorta true, but sorta not.
The goal-scoring burden has been shared in the most democratic—and slightly frustrating—way possible. Cameron McGeehan, Sam Hoskins, and Tom Eaves are all tied up at the top of the league scoring charts for the club. They’ve each got four. In all competitions, Swyer has actually nudged ahead with five.
The problem isn't necessarily a lack of strikers; it's the supply line.
- Sam Hoskins: The man is a legend, 441 appearances and counting. He’s 32 now, but his positional intelligence is still top-tier.
- Ethan Wheatley: The 19-year-old on loan from Manchester United has shown flashes of brilliance. He’s got three goals, but you can tell he's still adjusting to the "Welcome to League One" physical treatment from veteran center-backs.
- The Defense: Ross Fitzsimons has been the primary man between the sticks with Lee Burge recently hitting his 100th appearance. They've conceded 28. That’s actually better than many teams sitting way above them in the table.
Basically, we have a mid-table defense and a relegation-zone attack. If Nolan can find a way to make the 4-2-3-1 click or maybe get more out of the wingers like Elliott List, the standings will take care of themselves.
The Port Vale Connection and the February Date
Mark your calendars: February 24, 2026.
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That’s when Jon Brady brings his Port Vale side to Sixfields. Considering Port Vale is currently 24th with only 18 points, that game is going to be a six-pointer of gargantuan proportions. The narrative writes itself. Brady, the man who gave us that 2022/23 promotion, coming back to try and steal points to save his new club while potentially sinking his old one? It’s peak EFL drama.
You’ve got to wonder if the players who played under him will have that extra bit of "point to prove" energy.
What Needs to Change to Climb the Table?
If you want to see the Northampton Town F.C. standings move north, the home form has to stabilize. We’ve managed five wins at Sixfields, but three draws and four losses have kept the points tally stagnant.
The arrival of Elliott Moore from Oxford United on January 10th is a shrewd move. He’s a big, physical center-back who knows this league inside out. Adding that kind of experience on a free transfer is the sort of business that saves seasons. With Moore and Jordan Willis at the back, we shouldn't be conceding soft goals from set-pieces anymore.
Honestly, the middle of the park is where the battle is won. Terry Taylor and Dean Campbell have been the workhorses. They're both 24, high energy, but sometimes they get overmatched by the more "streetwise" midfields in this league. Tyrese Fornah brings a bit more bite, but consistency is the white whale here.
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Actionable Insights for the Run-In
Watching the standings is one thing; understanding where the points come from is another. If you're looking at the rest of January and February, here is what actually matters for the Cobblers:
Target the "Mini-League" Games
Forget trying to outplay Cardiff City or Lincoln City right now. The survival of Northampton Town depends on the games against the teams around them. Matches against Rotherham (22nd) and Doncaster (23rd) are non-negotiable.
Unlock the Set-Piece Potential
With players like Tom Eaves (6'5") and now Elliott Moore (6'3"), there is zero excuse for the Cobblers to have one of the lowest set-piece conversion rates in the division. If the open play goals aren't coming, someone needs to start attacking the near post on corners.
Manage the Wheatley Minutes
Ethan Wheatley is a talent, but you can't overplay a teenager in a relegation scrap without him burning out. Using him as an impact sub against tired legs might actually yield more than starting him every Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday.
The Sixfields Atmosphere
It sounds cliché, but the home crowd has been a bit quiet lately. Probably because the football has been "efficient" rather than "exciting." But the players need that noise. If the fans can turn Sixfields into a bear pit for the visit of Wycombe Wanderers and eventually Port Vale, it’s worth an extra three or four points.
Ultimately, the 20th position is a warning, not a death sentence. The point gap between 20th and 13th (AFC Wimbledon) is only two points. Two points! That’s a single win and a favorable bounce elsewhere.
Keep an eye on the injury list, specifically the fitness of Cameron McGeehan. When he’s in the lineup, the transition from defense to Sam Hoskins is much smoother. Without him, the ball tends to go long, and Tom Eaves ends up isolated against two giant center-halves.
The battle for League One survival is going to go down to the final weekend. It always does.
Next steps for Cobblers fans:
- Check the official club site for the latest injury update on Terry Taylor before the next home game.
- Watch the highlights of the Walsall win to see Swyer’s movement—it’s the blueprint for how we should be attacking.
- Keep a close eye on the January transfer window; rumors are we still need a creative "number 10" to bridge the gap.