Page takes Northampton helm

Northampton have announced they have appointed Rob Page as their new manager on a three-year deal.

Page has taken over the role after boss Chris Wilder departed the Cobblers to take over at Sheffield United. Page joins after leaving Port Vale, who he joined in 2014, guiding the club to safety in his first season and a 12^th place finish last time out.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas told the club’s official website: “We have undertaken a professional, detailed and thorough selection process and we are pleased to have recruited an outstanding young manager like Rob.

“After an excellent playing career at all levels, Rob is an energetic, young, and ambitious manager, but someone who has also managed nearly 100 games in League 1.  He knows what the level is all about and that was important to us in our search.

“He is very highly regarded and I am looking forward to working with him to take Northampton Town Football Club forward as we prepare for an exciting year in League 1.”

Port Vale will now be looking for a new manager, with current Vale midfielder Michael Brown being installed as the early favourite. The former Portsmouth, Leeds United and Fulham man has recently been offered a new contract at Vale Park, but could make the move into coaching.

Other candidates include Micky Adams, Mark Cooper and Chris Powell, with the current outsiders being Nigel Adkins, Neil Redfearn and Uwe Rosler.