Northampton Town announce former MK Dons assistant Chris Hogg as club's new manager

Northampton Town have announced that former MK Dons, Oxford and Bristol City assistant Chris Hogg will be the club’s new first team manager.

Hogg has been announced as the Cobblers’ permanent replacement for Kevin Nolan, who left the club in March, and takes over from Colin Calderwood after he was an interim boss for the final 10 games of the season. Calderwood will return to being Northampton’s Technical Director.

The move will see Hogg serve as a manager for the first time, while Northampton confirmed that Hogg has signed a two year contract. He will be assisted by Chris Doig, with the former Northampton player arriving after the club agreed a deal with Boston United for him to move from Lincolnshire.

The new Northampton boss will be taking over in League Two next season, with Northampton having been relegated last season.

Hogg has previously worked as an assistant to Liam Manning, with the former England youth international working as part of Manning’s coaching staff at MK Dons, Oxford United, Bristol City and Norwich City.

Before working with Manning, Hogg had spent time as an academy coach with Ipswich Town and Newcastle United.

In an arrival interview with the Northampton Town website, Hogg voiced his delight to get the opportunity.

He said, “I am delighted to be named as the new manager of Northampton Town Football Club.

“The work has already started to try and deliver a successful season. The teams I have coached in the past have placed great value on possession of the ball, to dominate opponents, and I still value those traits, but let me be clear, this is a results business and I have always wanted to win.
 
“We will change the mentality and build up the connection between the players and the supporters. We want fans to show up in their numbers and see a team that fights, that plays with purpose, to attack and entertain, but also has the much needed adaptability to be hard to beat and successful in the coming season and beyond.
 
“I am looking forward to meeting everyone. I can’t wait to get started with the players. We know we have a lot of work to do, but I will work tirelessly for the club and for the community. I know how important this football club is to so many people, and if we all pull together – fans, players, staff, everyone – I know we can put smiles back on faces and do something special. Shoe Army!”

Northampton chairman Kevin Thomas voiced his delight to get Hogg confirmed as his new manager.

He said, “Chris Hogg was outstanding throughout the recruitment process.

“Not only in terms of how he presented to us, but in terms of the feedback we received from across the game about Chris. People who have worked with him and who have come across him have spoken very highly of Chris and how they expect him to go on and become a successful manager. 

“We undertook a very detailed and thorough recruitment process and spoke to different types of managers, including some candidates who are in employment elsewhere, but we believe Chris is an excellent choice for us.”