'Jon Brady quitting leaves a massive emotional void'

Manager Jon Brady left Northampton Town on Thursday after resigning

Northampton Town manager Jon Brady stepped down on Thursday after three and a half years in charge of the team.

He led the club back to League One in 2023, but left with the club 21st in the table following a 2-0 defeat at Stevenage.

What did those who follow the Cobblers make of his departure and his time at the club?

'It was more than just football'

Northampton Town fan Martin Maloney (left), pictured with former assistant manager Colin Calderwood, who left last season

Fan Martin Maloney said he understood why Brady resigned.

"Some things are more important than sport," he said. "You've got your own health and family.

"The more I reflect on it, it wasn't that much of a surprise."

The 50-year-old said the club's long injury list had taken its toll on the manager.

"All that energy and fighting, you've given your all and you've got nothing else to give," he said.

But he added: "It would be great if at some point he comes back to the club in some capacity."

The supporter said that, in the 40-plus years he has been following the Cobblers, there was not another manager he "felt such a connection with".

"Jon made a connection with everyone because of his passion," said Mr Maloney.

"It was more than just football. There is a massive void now emotionally at the club."

'The right thing for him'

Heidi Green is a 'Her Game Too' ambassador for Northampton Town

Northampton fan Heidi Green said it was "right decision" for Brady to resign.

"He's a very passionate man, and passion can come at a cost," she said.

"It's very, very sad, but it's obviously the right thing for him, he's a human being, he's got to do what's right for him and his family."

The 43-year-old said highlights of Brady's tenure included the 2023 promotion and the last minute equaliser at Lincoln last season.

"He's more than a football manager, he became our friend," she added.

'Dedicated and committed'

Tim Oglethorpe says there was a small minority of fans calling for Jon Brady to go

BBC Radio Northampton's Cobblers commentator Tim Oglethorpe said he "didn't see" Brady's departure coming.

After the announcement on Thursday "there was almost a sense of mourning [with] so many sad Cobblers", he said.

The commentator added it was a "very unusual situation and fans wanted him to stay".

Mr Oglethorpe said Brady had "a glorious career as a Cobblers manager" but he believed he left to spend more time with his family.

"You never quite get away from the job and he's so dedicated and committed to the cause and it's taken its toll," he said.

He said he interviewed Brady after the 0-0 draw at Blackpool and the manager was "clearly weighed down by the result and the disappointment and long injury list".

"He also was upset by the small minority of fans who were having a go at him on social media," Mr Oglethorpe said.

The commentator added he believed in the end Brady was "not enjoying it as much as you should be".