As the season now moves into the key phase for all teams, struggling Northampton Town came out of the January transfer window in a hopefully better shape than when it started.
Clarke Carlisle became the latest addition to the Cobblers cause on a reasonably busy transfer deadline day at Sixfields.The very experienced defender has joined on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Midfielder Ben Harding, who was already with Town on a loan deal from Wycombe Wanderers, made his move permanent, and two players – full-back Ashley Corker and second-year professional goalkeeper Paul Walker – had their deals terminated.
The recruitment of Carlisle, who played under manager Aidy Boothroyd in the duo’s time together at Watford six years ago, is being seen as something of a coup in League Two circles, for both the experience and leadership qualities he brings to the squad and his on-pitch attributes.
“Clarke is a player I have worked with before,” said Boothroyd. “He is a leader in every sense of the word. He has won three promotions with three different clubs, he has played in the Premier League and he is a winner.