Sampson in two minds over Northampton vacancy

Ian Sampson admitted that Northampton were second best to Rotherham on Saturday

Northampton Town interim boss Ian Sampson is in two minds about whether he would like the job on a full-time basis.

Sampson was Cobblers manager from 2009 to 2011 and, having returned to the club in 2019, he was assistant to Jon Brady, who resigned earlier this month.

Club chairman Kelvin Thomas confirmed last week that the 56-year-old was in the mix as the board look for Brady's full-time successor.

Northampton beat Nene derby rivals Peterborough United in Sampson's first game in caretaker charge but lost 3-0 at Rotherham United on Saturday.

Asked following the match whether he wanted a second crack at the job, he told BBC Radio Northampton: "Them emotions go from yes to no after today's defeat. It's something that's in the back of my mind, but nothing concrete at the moment."

The Cobblers are 19th in League One, just two points above the relegation places, and have a home game against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

Before that, however, they have another meeting with Peterborough on Tuesday evening, this time with a place in the last 16 of the EFL Trophy at stake.

Victory would earn them a home tie against League Two side Walsall.

"Any game against Peterborough is a big game for the club, we'll see who we can get out there on Tuesday night and give it our best," said Sampson.

Despite a disappointing performance at Rotherham, Northampton were boosted by the return of defenders TJ Eyoma and Jordan Willis, an area of the team in which they have been badly affected by injuries this season.

Eyoma played the second half at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, while Willis was an unusued substitute.

Sampson added: "I was pleased with TJ when he came on, I thought he gave us a little bit more strength in that position, something we've been missing lately.

"We've got one centre-half fit, TJ who's coming back and probably played maximum minutes there, 45, and Jordan on the bench, who again is limited to minutes.

"Signs of them coming back is good for us going forwards, because if we play three or four at the back, we need central defenders."