BREAKING: Cobblers sell Ricky Holmes to Charlton for undisclosed fee

HE'S OFF - Ricky Holmes has signed for Charlton Athletic

Chairman Kelvin Thomas says the club ‘have got the best possible deal’ for the player, but the figures are being kept under wraps.

It is understood the Cobblers are bound by the terms of the transfer deal, and are unable to reveal the fee, but it is expected they will receive a significant sum for Holmes.

Holmes, who turns 29 on Sunday, was the subject of a series of formal offers from the Addicks earlier this week.

The Cobblers rejected the advances from the south London club, but Holmes then handed in a transfer request on Tuesday and Thomas has decided to let him go, implying the player has been offered a deal too good to turn down.

“We are very sorry to lose Ricky as he did fantastically for us, especially at the end of last season,” said Thomas.

“But having turned down three bids already, Ricky handing in a transfer request did change the game somewhat.

“Once that happened and upon realising we couldn’t persuade Ricky to stay, our focus was to ensure that we got the best deal possible for the club all things considered, which we feel we did.

“In my discussions with Ricky he wasn’t desperate to leave, and he told me that he loved his time at Northampton.

“But at his age and stage of career, the financial offer available to him and the location of the club in relation to his family home, all added together, were big deciding factors.

“It is also important for us and Rob (Page) that by the start of the season in August we have a group of players who want to be at this club and are entirely focused on the season ahead.

“We thank Ricky for his efforts and wish him well next season except in a couple of games against us obviously.

“He did play a big part in the run in last season and I am sure he, and the club, will look back on that time with a lot of fond memories.”

Holmes joined the Cobblers from Portsmouth at the start of January 2015, initially on loan before signing a contract that wasn’t due to expire until the summer of 2017.

He went on to make 43 starts and 10 substitute appearances in his time at Sixfields, scoring 16 goals.

Holmes missed the first four months of last season, but on his return turned in a series of match winning performances, and scored some absolutely stunning goals.

In all, he netted 11 times in 32 appearances as the Cobblers stormed to the Sky Bet League Two title.

Funds from the the deal with Charlton are also expected to be put towards strenghtening the Town squad ahead of the new season.