BREAKING: Keith Curle is named new Cobblers boss

It was only announced on Sunday night that Austin had ‘parted company’ with Town, and chairman Kelvin Thomas has wasted no time in naming his successor

Curle started his managerial career with Mansfield Town in 2002, and took the club to the League Two play off final in his first full season in charge.

After spells as assistant manager to Neil Warnock at both Crystal Palace and Queens Psrk Rangers, he was named the manager of Notts County in February 2012.

County finished the 2011/12 season just outside the play offs and during the following season they went 22 away games unbeaten.

Curle joined Carlisle United in September 2014 when the Cumbrians were bottom of league two.

He steered them to safety, before leading United to a 10th placed finish the following season.

In 2016/17, Curle led the Cumbrians to the league two play offs, before achieving a third successive top 10 finish in 2017/18.

Curle has signed a deal until the end of next season, and he will be assisted at the PTS Academy Stadium by Colin West.

West, who as a player had a brief loan spell with the Cobblers, also played for Sunderland, Watford, Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion.

He has previously been assistant manager at Wednesday and has assisted Curle at both Notts County and Carlisle United.

As a player, Curle made more than 700 appearances across all four divisions, representing Bristol Rovers, Torquay United, Bristol City, Reading, Wimbledon, Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sheffield United, Barnsley and Mansfield Town.

He also won three England caps.

Curle will take charge of the Cobblers for the first time on Tuesday night when Bury are the visitors to the PTS (ko 7.45pm).