With Danny Jackman, Colin Larkin and Ian Henderson already added to the squad during the close season, Giles Coke became Stuart Gray's fourth summer signing at the beginning of July.

The young midfielder made the move to Sixfields after turning down the contract offered to him by League Two side Mansfield Town where he had spent the previous two seasons. Because of his age the Cobblers had to pay a fee for the player and at a later tribunal the club had to shell out an initial £30,000 with the fee possibly rising by a further £40,000 depending on appearances.

Andy Kirk was meanwhile taken off the transfer list by boss Stuart Gray.

For their pre-season tour, the Cobblers headed off to Ibiza where they played two games in the San An Cup, beating UE San Jose 3-1 and SD Portmany 5-0. Andy Holt and Andy Kirk scored in both games while the Cobblers other goalscorers on the tour were Colin Larkin, Ian Henderson, Liam Dolman and youth team striker Shaun Goodall.

Back to blighty and Andy Holt was again on target as the Cobblers beat Kettering Town 1-0 in the pre-season fixture at Rockingham Road.

The Cobblers then welcomed Coventry City to Sixfields for the first of three home pre-season friendlies against Championship opposition. The game against the Sky Blues ended 1-1 with Andy Kirk's 74th minute penalty cancelling out Leon Best's opener.

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips was then amongst the goals as an impressive West Brom side won 5-1 at Sixfields, Ian Henderson the man on target for the Cobblers.

The Cobblers again suffered defeat in their final home pre-season friendly with £1m new signing Fredy Eastwood on target for Wolves in a 3-0 victory for Mick McCarthy's side.

In other news the Cobblers signed youngster Joe Howe on a short-term contract following his release from MK Dons while groundsman Paul Currier left the club to pursue other interests. The apple did not fall far from the tree however with Paul Currier junior taking up his dad's duties.