Looking back at the Cobblers’ remarkable rise 60 years on.
The 1964/65 season was a time of transformation for Northampton Town, a team steadily building its strength and identity. At the heart of it all was goalkeeper Bryan Harvey, a commanding presence between the posts. His ritual of spitting on his hands and rubbing them together became a familiar sight, accompanied by the fans’ booming chant of “HAR-VEE, HAR-VEE!”
Leading the team was the ever-vocal Theo Foley, a skipper who led by example, partnered in defence by the composed and reliable Mike Everitt. In midfield, Derek Leck, a lanky and adventurous wing-half, often unleashed shots from outside the box, earning him the teasing nickname “Daisy.” Alongside him, Joe Kiernan’s silky skills were coming to fruition, while Terry Branston was always in the thick of the battle, a true warrior in the team’s spine.
On the flanks, Harry Walden electrified the right wing as the crowd roared, “Give it to Harry, on the wing!” Meanwhile, on the left, Barry Lines wasn’t just a footballer but a heartthrob—his slick black hair and quiff making him a favourite with female supporters, though his excellent ball control and pinpoint crosses won over the entire fanbase. Up front, local lad Don Martin was quietly making his mark, finding the back of the net with increasing regularity.
However, his strike partner, Hunt, struggled to live up to expectations, weighed down by a hefty transfer fee. Meanwhile, the experienced Charlie Livesey, who had plied his trade at Chelsea, Gillingham, Southampton, and Watford, bore an uncanny resemblance to John Smith, the star of the popular Western series Laramie.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Northampton started the campaign with just three points from their first four games. Barry Lines, in particular, suffered a streak of bad luck—having goals controversially disallowed in matches against Southampton and Newcastle, and then enduring a serious injury that sidelined him for months.
After 18 matches across league and cup competitions, Northampton finally tasted defeat. A defensive mix-up in the League Cup quarterfinals allowed Plymouth’s John Newman to score the decisive goal. League disappointment followed swiftly, with a crushing 5-0 defeat at the hands of fellow promotion hopefuls Newcastle. The match was a nightmare—Mike Everitt turned the ball into his own net, and Robson was stretchered off with a suspected fractured jaw. Despite the setback, the Cobblers clung to second place, but Bolton and Norwich lurked dangerously behind, ready to pounce on any further missteps.
Injuries piled up—Best, Coe, and Hunt all joined the casualty list. In a crucial boost, Ken Leek returned to Northampton, finally agreeing to terms with the club. Since leaving for Leicester, he had endured a turbulent career, missing out on the 1961 FA Cup Final and moving between Newcastle and Birmingham before returning to his roots.
Drama Against Southampton
A pulsating encounter with Southampton was a highlight of the season, packed with drama. First, Ken Leek pressured his former teammate Tony Knapp into scoring an own goal. Then, Saints’ future England striker Martin Chivers equalized. The game took another twist when Vic Cockcroft conceded a penalty. Southampton’s Terry Paine stepped up, but Harvey denied him. When history repeated itself late in the match—another foul, another Paine penalty—Harvey produced another stunning save. However, Northampton’s luck turned when Foley inadvertently headed into his own net. But just as defeat loomed, Branston surged forward, disappearing into a swarm of players before emerging victorious, having secured a dramatic equalizer.
By this stage, the lineup had evolved. Lines struggled to reclaim his spot from Robson, Leek replaced Hunt, and Brown took over from Livesey. Ironically, at Watford, it was Livesey who had once kept Brown out of the side.
Sealing Promotion
April 17th became a day to remember as Northampton secured promotion with a commanding 4-1 victory over Bury on their own turf. Kiernan notched his first goal for the club, while Bury’s lineup featured two future internationals, Colin Bell and Alex Lindsay.
Just days later, on April 19th, history was made again—Northampton Town took to the skies, flying from Luton to Exeter for their match against Plymouth. A remarkable feat for the club.
The season’s final game, a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth, held no significance for the Cobblers but ensured Portsmouth’s survival. The campaign had ended in triumph. After years spent in the Third Division South, Northampton Town had finally reached the promised land—they were now a First Division club.
A season of grit, resilience, and historic achievement had propelled the Cobblers to the top tier, etching their name into football folklore.
Written by – Ethan Grande
For more history on the Cobblers, you can follow Cobblers Past on social media or visit cobblerspast.com