It’s been nine years since that unforgettable afternoon at Sixfields—a 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers that sealed Northampton Town’s promotion to League One and sparked scenes of wild celebration. The Cobblers, unstoppable under Chris Wilder, ended a seven-year stay in League Two in dominant style. Now, on the anniversary of that iconic day, we look back at the heroes of 2015/16 and where they are now…
🧤 1. Adam Smith
Our ever-present keeper made 50 appearances in the title-winning campaign, and a further 40 in League One. After stints at Bristol Rovers, Forest Green, Yeovil, Stevenage, and Morecambe, Adam now plies his trade at Hartlepool United in the National League at age 32.
🛡️ 2. Brendan Moloney
Reliable at right-back, Brendan made just under 30 appearances during promotion and went on to make over 100 for the Cobblers. Sadly, a persistent knee injury forced him to retire in 2018, ending a solid spell with the club.
🧱 5. Zander Diamond
A rock in defence, Zander originally joined on loan in 2014, helping the club escape relegation before becoming a fan favourite. He made 125 appearances, winning Player of the Season in 2016/17 before injuries brought a premature end to his career after a move to Mansfield.
🧲 18. Rod McDonald
Made over 30 appearances across two seasons, playing his part in promotion and the League One survival campaign. Now 32, Rod is still going strong with Notts County in League Two after spells at Coventry, Wimbledon, Carlisle, Crewe, and Harrogate.
🛡️ 16. David Buchanan
The ever-reliable left-back and leader made over 160 appearances in total for the Cobblers, including 50+ in the promotion year. Now retired, David has transitioned into life after football, working as a financial advisor, specialising in sports insurance and mortgages.
🦁 21. John-Joe O’Toole
A cult hero with his flowing locks and all-action style, O’Toole signed in 2014 and was central to the promotion push. Still playing today, he’s now at AFC Wimbledon after spells with Burton Albion and Mansfield Town.
⚙️ 23. Danny Rose
Joined midway through the 2015/16 season and made an immediate impact with a winning goal against Wycombe. Since then, he’s had stints at Portsmouth, Swindon, Grimsby, Darlington, and Cleethorpes Town. Now, he’s shaping the future as an assistant coach at Salford City’s academy.
⚡ 11. Ricky Holmes
A flair player who lit up Sixfields with 16 goals in 53 appearances, Holmes later featured for Charlton, Sheffield United, Oxford, Gillingham, and returned briefly to Northampton before heading into non-league. He currently plays for Farnborough, via spells at Southend and Dover.
🔥 14. Sam Hoskins
No explanation needed.
From promotion winner to club legend, Sam is still going strong and continues to be the heartbeat of the Cobblers. A symbol of loyalty, consistency, and class.
🎯 10. Nicky Adams
Made 45 appearances during the promotion year and returned later for a second spell, where he notched his 600th career appearance. After spells at Carlisle, Bury, Oldham, and Radcliffe, he rejoined Bury for a fourth spell in December 2024.
⚔️ 27. John Marquis
The striker joined Northampton on loan during the 2015/16 season as part of his development from Millwall. After his time with the Cobblers, Marquis shone at Doncaster Rovers, bagging 60+ goals, and later featured for Portsmouth, Lincoln, and Bristol Rovers. He currently plays for Shrewsbury Town, still a potent presence up top.
💬 Final Whistle Thoughts
That 2015/16 side wasn’t just special for the silverware—they were fighters, fan favourites, and a team that pulled the club back from the brink. From title glory to touching lives off the pitch, their journeys remind us how far we’ve come—and how deep those Sixfields memories run.
Once a Cobbler, always a Cobbler.