There was always thus … or at least it was for 98 years, the time it took the Cobblers for to move from the County Ground. The argument raged long and loud around council chambers, until the building of Sixfields. Many said the club should have built upon solid foundations during the heady I960s rise. But the debate had been a long one, as this extract from a report in the Northampton Independent, dated November 3, 1944 testifies.
The Cobblers have been given the notice to quit and give up possession of their section of the County Ground and premises on April 30, 1945. This revelation, which the Independent is able to make this week, will come as a shock to thousands of Cobblers supporters everywhere and will also set everyone thinking of alternative accommodation should matter proceed to the extreme. For many years the Northampton Town Football Club occupied the ground upon lease. This, however, expired in May 1943 and a yearly tenancy was accepted by the trustees.
Now the trustees want an increased rent. which the cobblers are unwilling to pay. Presumably, the demand for the increase is based upon the rich away “gates” the club are now receiving, but the Cobblers affirm that the Trust seem to forget the very poor home “gates” averaging 3,000 spectators, which, by failing to cover expenses leave the club mainly relying on their away income for their continued existence.
The situation now is that Mr FH. Lea, chairman of the club, having informed the Trust that the club just cannot afford to pay more rent. the notice to quit has followed … And so on … It is timely to recall that in April 1938, the “independent” called for the 1994: SIXFIELDS – we’ve waited so long. The ghosts of Milton Keynes, Kettering and Luton can now be at acquirement of the old Barracks site on Barrack Road for conversion into a new model “Cobblers” stairway to Heaven … Sixfields sits snugly in its natural dome arena peace. ground …
And so forth … Such a sports centre might be developed to include an up-to-date greyhound track indoor accommodation for bowls, badminton, ice hockey and a gymnasium, etc. The above plans were originally prepared by Messrs John Brown and Arthur Henson, the Northampton architects. They provided for covered seating accommodation for 9,000 people and for at least 13,000 spectators on the terraces. Car parks would give space for 100 on Barrack Road and I 00 on St George’s Street side … In search of the Holy Grail … a brief summary of projected Cobblers moves.
1930: It was first started, unofficially, that the club was looking for a new ground. A share option with Franklin’s Gardens was rubbished as “paper talk”.
1938: The Barrack Road option, as discussed here · · ·
1960s: The rise to Division One renewed the ground saga and Delapre Abbey became the epicentre of debate. No, firm plans were ever made and the late 60s slide silenced tongues.
1970s: Some suggestion that barren land just off the motorway at Collingtree could be used This quaint notion never left the first tee, or if it did. Became stranded in the rough.
1980s: Whatever happened to Brackmills and the Northampton Development Corporation? Ah well, what of another 10 years? The residents of Hardingstone can rest easy tonight.
1994: SIXFIELDS – we’ve waited so long. The ghosts of Milton Keynes, Kettering and Luton can now be at peace.