Calderwood returns to Northampton as Technical Director

Calderwood is hugely experienced as a coach, having been Assistant at clubs including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Norwich City and Brighton, and Manager of Northampton, Nottingham Forest, Hibernian and Cambridge United, but has never worked as a Technical Director before.

He will initially work as an Assistant to Cobblers boss Kevin Nolan, with whom he worked with at Newcastle, before transitioning into the Technical Director role. 

“We are delighted to welcome Colin Calderwood back to the club,” said Chairman Kelvin Thomas.

“Colin needs no introduction to supporters. His vast knowledge, experience and contacts are a huge asset and he has worked with Kevin Nolan before when both of them were at Newcastle United. Kevin credits Colin with being a big influence on his career.

“Kevin was very keen to work with Colin and we are thrilled he is coming back to the club having been working in the Premier League this season. 

“Colin’s focus initially will be as part of the coaching staff, on the training ground on a day-to-day basis, but as we move forward in the medium term he will begin to step away from the day to day to head up all of the club’s footballing operations, including overseeing the recruitment work.”

Nolan added: “It is the perfect appointment. I can’t stress how delighted I am. I worked with Colin at Newcastle, I got on really well with him there. He is someone who will support me on and off the field, he will be part of the coaching staff initially but he will also look to help me and the club with the off the field work as we move forward. 

“He knows the club, he knows what we need to do to help support the Board of Directors and the staff to continue to take the club forward as they have managed to do so well over the last few years.

“I am really looking forward to having Colin next to me and he forms an excellent addition to a strong technical staff. He will be great for me, great for the other staff and great for the club. To have someone with that experience and that quality will be perfect for all of the coaches we have and will help with their development too.”

Calderwood said: “I am really pleased to be back. The role here really appeals to me on a number of levels and while I will be out on the training ground initially, I will transition more and more towards the Technical Director role as we move forward. I have been taking my qualifications with that in mind.

“My overriding priority is to support Kevin Nolan at all times and that is very important. I know Kevin well, I have been really impressed with him both as a person and a Manager and he is someone who has been on a really good learning curve as a coach and a Manager at different levels of the game. 

“I feel I can help with the club’s progress in the short, medium and longer term. Hopefully I can bring my experience and contacts and the knowledge I have picked up over my career to help a really talented coaching staff.”