Cobblers boss Nolan seeks Nene derby repeat

Northampton Town boss Kevin Nolan hopes trips to watch Notts County when Luke Williams was in charge there will help his side as they look for a third successive win in the Nene derby.

Williams is now head coach of Saturday's opponents Peterborough United, who are still in the relegation places despite their midweek win at Reading.

Nolan guided the Cobblers to a 4-0 win at Peterborough last season when Darren Ferguson was manager.

"I hope it's the same (result), but I'm not going to bank on it, we're going to have to earn our stripes," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"Luke Williams is a very good manager, I know a lot about him because living in Nottingham, I went to watch a lot of his games when he was at Notts County and he deservedly got the job at Swansea off the back of that.

"He has his own style, the way he wants to play his football and he's stamping that style on Peterborough. He's had enough time now to put his style forwards and get the messages through to his lads."

The match at the Weston Homes Stadium will be former West Ham coach Nolan's 50th since taking over at Northampton just under a year ago following predecessor Jon Brady's resignation.

They finished 19th in 2024-25, securing a third successive season in League One, and are currently 14th, five points clear of Peterborough in 21st.

"We're battling above our weight and we know we've got to do that if we're going to sustain our status in League One and that's what we want," said Nolan.

"I feel we've taken a good step in the right direction over the 50 games I've been here. I've loved every minute of it. But there's still plenty of work to be done. We want to get better and never want to stand still.

"I really enjoyed my time at West Ham as a coach but there's nothing better than being in the hot seat because fundamentally the decision lies with you - you're there to be shot at, but I've always thrived under pressure, being a bit of a risk taker as well, so there's no better job to have if you enjoy all that."

The Cobblers have won four away games so far this season in a division in which, Nolan believes any team can beat any other.

He added: "We'll never underestimate any opposition and Peterborough the same.

"They're the next one up and we're going to respect them as we do with every team and hopefully go there, put in a performance and come away with a good result."