Wilder and Richards promise continued commitment from players

Boss Chris Wilder and captain Marc Richards have promised the Cobblers supporters that the team will continue ‘to give their all for the club’, despite discovering players and staff are unlikely to be paid on time this month.
IN IT TOGETHER - Chris Wilder (left) and Marc RichardsIN IT TOGETHER - Chris Wilder (left) and Marc Richards
IN IT TOGETHER - Chris Wilder (left) and Marc Richards

The financial crisis that has engulfed the club over the past few months has until now not directly impacted on the players, but an official announcement by the club has changed all that.

Chief executive James Whiting said in a statement on the club’s website on Tuesday: “We were asked (at the Supporters Trust Forum at the Guildhall on Monday night) a direct question about whether the players and staff would be paid on Friday.

“In the interests of honesty and openness and in the spirit of the meeting, I gave a truthful answer to the meeting and asked for those there to keep that off social media until I had the chance to speak to the staff and players on Tuesday.

“The situation is that because of the ongoing uncertainty it is likely that the wages will be paid late this month.

“I felt it was important to tell those concerned face to face rather than them read such information online and I would like to thank those who attended the meeting for respecting that.”

Wilder, the players and staff at the club were informed of the development on Tuesday morning, and the Cobblers boss said: “Clearly things are not ideal at the moment because we all financial commitments, but we understand the position the club is in and we appreciate being told up front rather than only finding out at the last minute.

“The players and staff have shown terrific professionalism over the last few months in really difficult circumstances and will continue to do so as we know we carry the hopes and loyalty of Northampton Town supporters.

“This won’t affect that, we will continue to give our all for the club and thank the supporters for their patience and backing.”

The Cobblers travel to play Newport County in Sky Bet League Two on Saturday, and skipper Richards promised the fans that there will be no let-up in commitment or performance from the players.

“These are difficult times but we will all stick together, we appreciate being told face to face and we will help each other through,” said the 33-year-old.

“Clearly we are all hoping for confirmed news on the takeover as soon as possible but as players that is beyond our control.

“We will prepare for the Newport County game and our full focus and commitment will be on that, this news doesn’t change that.”