Played For Both – Tranmere Rovers

Ahead of Northampton Town’s latest meeting with Tranmere Rovers, Cobblers Past takes a look at a selection of players who have represented both clubs over the years.

Harvey Saunders

One of the most recent players to have represented both clubs is forward Harvey Saunders.

Saunders joined Tranmere Rovers in 2023 following a spell with Bristol Rovers, adding pace and energy to the attacking options at Prenton Park.

After spending three years with the Merseyside club, Saunders made the move to Northampton Town ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Aaron McGowan

Defender Aaron McGowan joined Northampton Town in the summer of 2022, having previously represented Morecambe and Kilmarnock.

The right-back spent three seasons at Sixfields, featuring for the Cobblers in both League Two and League One.

Following his departure from Northampton in 2025, McGowan made the move to Tranmere Rovers, continuing his career at Prenton Park.

Patrick Brough

Patrick Brough joined Northampton Town from Barrow in the summer of 2023, following the Cobblers’ promotion to League One.

The left-sided defender became part of the Northampton squad during their return to the third tier.

After two seasons at Sixfields, Brough departed in 2025 and subsequently joined Tranmere Rovers.

Paul Lewis

Midfielder Paul Lewis is another player to have worn the shirts of both clubs.

Lewis joined Tranmere Rovers in 2020 following his departure from Cambridge United and spent two seasons at Prenton Park.

In the summer of 2022, he made the move to Northampton Town, joining Jon Brady’s squad for the 2022/23 League Two campaign.

His time at Sixfields coincided with the Cobblers securing automatic promotion to League One, famously sealed with victory at Tranmere on the final day of the season.

Ryan Watson

Ryan Watson joined Northampton Town in 2019 following spells with Leicester City, Barnet and Milton Keynes Dons.

The midfielder was part of the Cobblers squad that secured promotion to League One through the play-offs in 2020, defeating Exeter City at Wembley.

Watson remained at Sixfields for another season before departing in 2021.

He subsequently joined Tranmere Rovers, continuing his Football League career on Merseyside.

Sid Nelson

Central defender Sid Nelson joined Tranmere Rovers from Millwall in 2019, having initially spent time at Prenton Park on loan.

Nelson was part of the Rovers squad during their time in League One before leaving the club in 2021.

He subsequently joined Northampton Town, adding experience to the Cobblers’ defensive options during the 2021/22 campaign.

Evan Horwood

Evan Horwood joined Tranmere Rovers in 2013 following a spell with Hartlepool United.

The defender made 22 appearances for Rovers before joining Northampton Town on loan in March 2014, as Chris Wilder’s side battled to preserve their Football League status.

Horwood played an important role in the closing stages of the campaign, including the crucial 3-1 victory over Oxford United on the final day that secured Northampton’s survival.

After leaving Tranmere, he returned to Sixfields on a permanent two-year contract in July 2014.

Sam Aiston

Winger Sam Aiston joined Tranmere Rovers in 2000, having previously played for Sunderland and Stoke City.

He spent several seasons at Prenton Park, making more than 100 league appearances for the club.

Aiston later joined Northampton Town in 2006, adding experience to the Cobblers’ midfield during their time in League One.

Chris McCready

Defender Chris McCready joined Northampton Town in 2007 following a lengthy spell with Crewe Alexandra.

He spent two seasons at Sixfields before leaving the Cobblers in 2009.

McCready subsequently joined Tranmere Rovers, where he continued his career in League One.

Keith Welch

Goalkeeper Keith Welch represented Northampton Town during the early 2000s.

The experienced shot-stopper had previously played for clubs including Bristol City and Rotherham United before arriving at Sixfields.

Following his spell with the Cobblers, Welch moved to Tranmere Rovers in 2002, adding further Football League experience to his career.

Ray Train

Ray Train is one of the earlier players to have represented both Northampton Town and Tranmere Rovers.

The midfielder played for the Cobblers before making the move to Prenton Park in 1985.

His career also included spells with other Football League clubs, with his time at Northampton and Tranmere linking the two sides during the 1980s.

George Hudson

Going further back into the history books, George Hudson is another name to have represented both clubs.

Hudson played for Northampton Town during the 1960s before joining Tranmere Rovers in the 1966/67 season.

He remains one of the earlier recorded connections between the Cobblers and the Super White Army.