Northampton Town have appointed Chris Hogg as their manager on a two-year contract. This is Hogg’s first role as head coach. He was previously assistant to Liam Manning.
Hogg’s Backroom Staff and Initial Comments
Former Cobblers defender and captain Chris Doig will be Hogg’s assistant head coach. Doig leaves the same role at Boston United to join Hogg’s team.
“The work has already started to try and deliver a successful season,” Hogg told the club website.
Hogg added: “The teams I have coached in the past have placed great value on possession of the ball, to dominate opponents, and I still value those traits – but let me be clear, this is a results business and I have always wanted to win.”
“We will change the mentality and build up the connection between the players and the supporters.”
Hogg Replaces Nolan After Dismal Run
Hogg replaces Kevin Nolan, who was sacked on 9 March. The club was 23rd in League One at the time of Nolan’s sacking, having won only one of their previous 16 games.
Colin Calderwood was put in interim charge. They lost 10 games in a row under him and finished six points adrift at the bottom of the table, 17 points from safety.
Hogg’s Playing and Coaching Background
An England youth defender, Hogg came through the Ipswich Town academy. He made nearly 200 appearances for Hibernian and Inverness before retiring aged 28.
He returned to Portman Road in 2015 to begin his coaching career at the Ipswich academy. He then worked with Newcastle United Under-23s before his partnership with Manning.
Hogg also had a spell in charge at Bristol City while Manning was absent on compassionate leave in the 2024-25 season.
Chairman’s Statement on Hogg’s Appointment
“Chris Hogg was outstanding throughout the recruitment process,” said Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas.
“Not only in terms of how he presented to us, but in terms of the feedback we received from across the game about Chris.”
Thomas added: “People who have worked with him and who have come across him have spoken very highly of Chris and how they expect him to go on and become a successful manager.”
Hogg left Norwich in November following Liam Manning’s departure. He had also been Manning’s number two at MK Dons, Oxford United and Bristol City.