A sell-out crowd last Friday night saw something a little different in our clubhouse. Appearing live ‘onstage’ was Ian Atkins who was the first Cobblers Manager to take them to Wembley (1997) and in their centenary year too. Not only did he lead them to play-off victory from tier 4 (over Swansea City, happened to them?) but returned the club to Wembley the following season and were just one goal away from a second successive win and a place in the second tier of English football for the first time since Dave Bowen’s record-breakers in the mid-sixties.
Joining Ian was former Premier League Refereeing guru Peter Walton (who opened the new clubhouse and didn’t recognise the ground improvements!) who gave an explanation as to why Scunthorpe didn’t technically break the FA rules when losing 7-0 in the last NTFC match of season 21/22!
Ex-Cobblers player and promotion-winning Manager in the mid-80s Graham Carr (father of Alan) was also in attendance to add his comments. All was very entertainingly steered by Colin Mold the long-serving NTFC lounge host.
The evening also raised over £260 for Prostate Cancer UK. Thanks to Steve Alibone for finding extra chairs, and wonderful bar staff Nikki and Michelle for laying them out! Stuart Fraser for making it all technically possible. And to former Chronicle Sports Reporter Andy Roberts who planted the seed of an idea!