The introduction of the substitute during the 1965-66 season saw the birth of another record, players who played less than 90 minutes. A case of being substituted on their debut or coming on as a substitute and never getting another game.

First player to enter this record book was a player called Willie Johnson who in October 967 replaced Barry Lines who was carried off with a broken leg v Scunthorpe. The youngster played 33 minutes but never got another chance to play first team football before being released at the end of the season.

Chris Scott a defender signed by Graham Carr in 1987 played for 3 minutes as a substitute v Ipswich Town in the League Cup and never played again. He joined Lincoln City when they lost their place in the League and was still with them when they returned but did not play enough games to win a medal.
Harry Stackman, who preferred to be known as Scott, was called on as substitute during an injury crisis. In 993. He never got another chance and moved on playing for several non-league clubs before turning to Physiotherapy with the Cobblers and later Luton Town. He also made a three minute first team appearance v Torquay United.

Ryan Kirby was a vastly experienced player when he joined the Cobbler’s looking for a contract. He had been on the books of Arsenal, Preston North End, Crewe Alexandra and Wigan athletic. He played for 3 minutes for Scunthorpe In October 1996. He was never offered terms and spend five seasons with Stevenage, then non-league before playing for several non-league clubs before becoming manager of Grays.
Chris Thompson was still a trainee when he played for 2 minutes v Middlesbrough in the league cup in September 2001 but was never offered a full contract.

Shortest first team career at Northampton goes to Greg Taylor, who played for one minute v Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup in August 2008. He later plated for Kettering Town, Luton Town, and at present is with Cambridge United and the proud owner of 2 England ‘C’ Caps.