Northampton Town have named former Norwich City assistant head coach Chris Hogg as their new first-team manager, signing him to a two-year contract. The 41-year-old’s appointment follows a calamitous collapse under Kevin Nolan, who was dismissed in March after the club slipped to 23rd in League One with just one win in their last 16 matches.
Hogg, who left Norwich in November after Liam Manning’s departure, brings experience as Manning’s long-time assistant at MK Dons, Oxford United and Bristol City. His coaching philosophy centers on possession-based dominance but he insists results remain the priority. “This is a results business and I have always wanted to win,” Hogg said. “We will change the mentality and build up the connection between the players and the supporters.”
💡 Pro Tip
Expect Hogg to prioritize recruitment that aligns with his possession model while ensuring squad depth to avoid another injury crisis.
Former Cobblers defender and captain Chris Doig will serve as Hogg’s assistant head coach after departing Boston United. The pair inherit a squad 17 points from safety and six adrift at the bottom of the table when the season ended. Hogg becomes the club’s fifth permanent manager since January 2022.
| Club position | Date | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 23rd in League One | 9 March | Kevin Nolan sacked |
| 23rd in League One | Interim period | 10 consecutive defeats |
| 23rd in League One | Today | Chris Hogg appointed |
Hogg’s playing career included nearly 200 appearances for Hibernian and Inverness after coming through Ipswich Town’s academy. He retired at 28 and returned to Portman Road in 2015 as a youth coach before moving to Newcastle United’s Under-23 setup. His coaching partnership with Manning spanned seven years across four clubs.
📋 By The Numbers
- 17 points — Margin from safety when Hogg took over
- 5 managers — Since January 2022 amid chronic instability
Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas hailed Hogg’s appointment as a “strong signal of intent.” “The feedback we received across the game was exceptional,” Thomas said. “People who have worked with him speak very highly of his man-management and tactical clarity.” Hogg’s first task will be to steady the ship in League One, where Northampton face a fight to avoid a second consecutive relegation battle. His brief includes restoring fan confidence and delivering a coherent style of play from day one.
Key Points
- ✅ Hogg arrives with a two-year contract and clear mandate to rebuild
- ⚡ Doig joins as assistant after leaving Boston United
- 💡 Philosophy blends possession football with ruthless pragmatism
With the Cobblers staring down a potential third-tier crisis, Hogg’s tenure begins under intense scrutiny. His ability to balance ambition with immediate survival could define his tenure—and the club’s future.
- Immediate challenge — Halt the losing streak and secure wins in May
- Medium-term goal — Rebuild squad identity and playing style
- Long-term vision — Reconnect with supporters and stabilize the club
The new regime promises action, not words. Fans will expect tangible progress long before the first home league match of the 2024–25 season.
