PLAYED FOR BOTH: NORTHAMPTON TOWN & COLCHESTER UNITED

Over the years, several players have represented both Northampton Town and Colchester United, with some becoming firm favourites among supporters.

In the latest Played For Both feature, Cobblers Past looks back at ten players who have worn the shirts of both clubs.

Jack Baldwin

Defender Jack Baldwin joined Northampton Town from Ross County in the summer of 2024, making 24 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.

After leaving Sixfields in August 2025, he joined Colchester United on a one-year deal. He later spent time on loan at Eastleigh before departing the U’s in the summer of 2026.

Ben Perry

Midfielder Ben Perry joined Northampton Town on loan from Nottingham Forest in January 2025, making 17 League One appearances.

Following his return to Forest, Perry completed a permanent move to Colchester United in July 2025 for an undisclosed fee.

Jay Williams

Northampton-born midfielder Jay Williams progressed through the Cobblers’ academy, making 17 first-team appearances before leaving in 2020.

Following spells with several clubs, including Crawley Town and MK Dons, Williams joined Colchester United in September 2026.

Josh Powell

Young defender Josh Powell joined Colchester United on loan from Nottingham Forest in August 2025, gaining valuable senior experience before moving to Fleetwood Town.

In September 2026, Powell joined Northampton Town on a season-long loan, becoming one of the latest players to represent both clubs.

Scott McGleish

A popular figure at Sixfields, striker Scott McGleish represented Colchester United during two spells before joining Northampton Town in 2004.

McGleish became a favourite among Cobblers supporters during his three years at Sixfields and later returned for a brief loan spell in 2008/09.

Luke Chambers

Kettering-born Luke Chambers began his professional career at Northampton Town, making his debut in 2003 and helping the Cobblers secure promotion in 2005/06.

After lengthy spells with Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, Chambers joined Colchester United in 2021, spending two seasons with the club before retiring in 2023.

Tony Adcock

Prolific striker Tony Adcock began his career at Colchester United before joining Manchester City in 1987.

He moved to Northampton Town in January 1988 and later returned for a second spell. Adcock also enjoyed a second period with Colchester, rejoining the U’s in 1995.

John-Joe O’Toole

John-Joe O’Toole represented Colchester United between 2009 and 2013 before joining Northampton Town in 2014.

The midfielder became a key figure in Chris Wilder’s 2015/16 League Two title-winning side, scoring 12 league goals and earning the Cobblers’ Player of the Year award.

Luke Prosser

Defender Luke Prosser joined Northampton Town on loan from Southend United in January 2016, making eight appearances during the Cobblers’ title-winning campaign.

Following the season, Prosser signed for Colchester United, where he spent four years before leaving in 2020.

Clive Platt

Striker Clive Platt joined Colchester United in 2007, spending three years with the Essex club.

He moved to Northampton Town in 2012, reuniting with manager Aidy Boothroyd, and featured in the Cobblers’ 2013 League Two play-off final defeat against Bradford City.

From title winners to recent arrivals, Northampton Town and Colchester United have shared plenty of familiar faces over the years.

Which of these players do you remember most fondly in a Cobblers shirt?