Cobblers Past

History Never Forgotten

Played for Both – Oxford United

Ahead of Tuesday nights game v Oxford we have a look at a selection of players that have played for both clubs.

Ricky Holmes 

On 2 January 2015, Holmes joined the Cobblers on an initial one-month loan deal.  On 27 January 2015, after appearing in four matches and scoring once, he signed a 2½-year permanent deal with the club. Making 49 appearances and scored 14 appearances. 

On 9 August 2018, Holmes signed for Oxford United on a season-long loan. He returned to his parent club in January 2019 for treatment after his appearances were limited by a back injury. He made 16 appearances and scored 3 goals. 

Kemar Roofe

Kemar joined the Cobblers in September 2012 on a one month deal from West Bromwich Albion. He made his professional debut on 29 September 2012, in a 3–3 draw with Burton Albion, coming on as a substitute for Chris Hackett. 

After making six appearances for the club, it announced that Roofe would return to his parent club on 27 October 2012. Following the end of the 2012–13 season, Roofe’s contract with West Brom was extended for one year.

Kemar joined Oxford in 2015 on a months loan. But signed a three year deal with Oxford. He made56 appearances scoring 24 goals for the yellows.

Danny Rose 

Danny joined the Oxford on loan from Manchester United in 2007 and made 22 appearances he impressed the yellows and signed a 1 year contract and made another 19 appearances  before moving to Notts County.

On 13 June 2013, Rose joined Oxford United for the third time in his career. He signed a two-year-deal with an option of a third. On 1 February 2016 he left the club by mutual consent. 

On 1 February 2016, Rose completed a switch to Northampton Town, rejoining former Oxford manager Chris Wilder. He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 win over Wycombe Wanderers on 20 February 2016.

Chris Hargreaves 

Chris was signed by Kevin Wilson and played under four different managers at Sixfields 

An all action midfield player Chris would remember the goal he scored against Manchester United in the F. A. Cup, it was in the wrong net! 

He was offered reduced terms in 2004 and left to join Brentford. Chris made 170 appearances for the Cobblers scoring 13 goals. 

Chris was on the books of Hereford and Oxford when they lost their league status. And Torquay and Oxford when they regained it. He made 39 Appearances for Oxford. 

Richard Hill 

Check out the match program. 

Eric Sabin

Eric signed for Northampton while on loan to Boston from Queens Park Rangers and made his debut v Boston, who he was previously on loan to. 

He became a great favourite with the Sixfields crowd with his speed and skilful play. 

He missed a penalty in the penalty shoot-out Play off semi-final v Southend in May 2007 and it affected his play. He made 68 appearances appearances for the Cobblers scoring 15 goals. 

After just seven matches of 2005-06 he joined Oxford in what was their last league season. He made 35 apperences for the yellows scoring 9 goals. 

Chris Carruthers

Chris came through the ranks at Northampton along with Luke Chambers and won himself a place before he had signed on full terms. He won caps at under-20 level for England. 

When Colin Calderwood arrived Chris was loaned out to Kettering and  Hornchurch and later Bristol Rovers where ex- manager Kevin Broadhurst was in charge he later signed for the ‘Gas menon a free transfer After almost signing for Wycoombe Wanderers. 

In 2008 he joined non-League Oxford United. Chris made 36 appearances for Oxford. 

Ryan Clarke

Clarke joined Oxford United on 26 May 2009. He was their regular goalkeeper in the 2009-10 campaign and, despite his scoring an own goal in the 2010 Conference Premier play-off Final against York City on 16 May.

Clarke signed for League Two club Northampton Town on a two-year contract on 2 July 2015.

Alfie Potter 

On 3 June 2009, Potter signed for Oxford United on a season-long loan.He scored five goals in 20 Conference National games as Oxford finished third and went on to win the playoff final 3–1 against York City, his last-minute goal at Wembley Stadium securing Oxford’s return to the Football League after a four-year exile.

On 20 May 2015, it was announced that Potter would be reunited with former manager Chris Wilder by joining Northampton Town on a two-year contract.

James Hunt 

James came to Northampton after being released by Notts. County and made a place for himself in the first team within a couple of seasons. 

In his five seasons at Sixfields he experienced a play off final, relegation and promotion. 

James was offered a contract for the 2002 season but Ian Atkins by then manager of Oxford offered him a longer one. He later followed Atkins to Bristol Rovers. 

He made 174 appearances for the Cobblers and 80 appearances for Oxford.