'It was my decision to resign' - ex-Cobblers boss Brady

Jon Brady spent six years with non-league Brackley Town before becoming Northampton Town boss

Jon Brady said it was his decision to resign as manager of Northampton Town and hoped he had added "value" to the club during his time in charge.

The League One Cobblers announced the 49-year-old's departure after three and a half years on 5 December with the club in the relegation zone following a run of six matches without a win.

Brady's assistant Ian Sampson was put in caretaker charge and said the Australian's exit, days before his 200th game, had left everyone "shocked".

Sampson remains in interim control and is in the mix for the job on a permanent basis, according to Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas.

"Ultimately it was my decision to resign from my position as manager," Brady said in a statement posted on his X account.

"For almost four years, my excellent staff and I have given everything to deliver success to our supporters."

Brady also thanked Thomas, along with chief executive James Whiting and the rest of the club's board, for their "tremendous support" during his time at Sixfields and added he would be "forever grateful".

He did not go into any detail over the reason why he resigned, only telling the fans together they had "achieved everything we set out to do".

Chairman Thomas said at the time of Brady's departure that the board "fully understood the real pressures that come with being a manager".

Under Brady, Northampton experienced a near-miss on promotion in his first full season in charge in 2022-23 before returning the club to League One the following campaign after an outstanding start.

"In our second season we displayed tremendous courage," Brady said.

"With the best start to a season in 52 years, we gained promotion on the final day amassing 83 points - what a day for the club and fans.

"It meant everything to me."

He added that his "biggest" achievement was the club's 14th-placed finish last term on 60 points - their best in the third tier since 2007-08.

"During my time with this fantastic club, we have accumulated 223 points over three seasons - a feat that has not been achieved in over 20 years," Brady said.

"It's one both myself and the staff will always be truly proud of.

"Our ultimate goal has always been to unite our players, staff and fans as one and create a feeling of family and togetherness.

"I hope I leave with this ethos firmly embedded. Overall I hope I have added value."

The Cobblers have yet to announce any further update on Brady's permanent successor with Sampson remaining in temporary charge.

After winning his first game against Peterborough to take the club out of the relegation zone, Sampson lost his second match against Rotherham.

He had admitted he was "in two minds" about taking the job if it was offered, as he prepares the team for another Nene derby meeting with the Posh, this time in the EFL trophy on Tuesday.