Northampton boss Jon Brady was in tears with an emotional tribute to his staff and also criticises the Bristol Rovers promotion.
He said that adversity and tragedy on the field have made the club “like family”, as they secured promotion from League Two.
The Cobblers won 1-0 at Tranmere to move up to League One and erase the memories of last season’s disappointment.
Last season, Bristol Rovers won 7-0 to deny Town automatic promotion, but it didn’t sit well with Brady.
INTERVIEW:
Michelle: John, there were some tears at the end, weren’t there? What’s the overriding emotions right now? Has it even sunk in, what you’ve achieved this season?
JB: Probably not. There’s been a lot of pain to get here last year. Hurt and actually, I don’t have to do playoffs and we can actually enjoy a moment.
Michelle: You absolutely deserve to enjoy a moment, but for you on your coaching journey as well, I mean, you’ve come through the ranks, you’ve worked your way up. This must be quite an emotional moment for you, what you’ve just achieved.
JB: I want to say thank you to my staff, we’re all together… Colin Calderwood, Marc Richards – James Alger, my goalkeeping coach, woke up one morning and his wife didn’t wake up. We lost his wife [in August 2022], Colin’s lost his dad – for those people who have been with us in spirit this is absolutely amazing.
Michelle: Does it give a bit more perspective as well, things like that?
JB: Incredible perspective, really. People might say it and I might get carried away in a moment, but I’m not. We’re like a family, we look after each other and that’s what it’s been. And now you got to try and keep this group of staff and players together.
Michelle: Do you just take a moment now? You said to me before the game, I’m going to sleep for a week after. Come on, you got to have a little celebratory drink too, surely.
JB: I’m going to go see my family. That’s the first thing I’m going to do. My wife unbelievably supportive. Sorry. My three children, just when you’re in football management, sometimes push them aside because you work insatiably to achieve something, but they’ve been so supportive and had to take some not greatest moods at times at home, but amazing.
Michelle: And these are the sacrifices people don’t see. Congratulations. Have a wonderful night, have a wonderful time of your family. Very well deserved.
“Our goalkeeping coach woke up one morning and his wife didn’t wake up”
Northampton boss Jon Brady was close to tears after securing promotion to League One ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KaZojXMY4a
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 8, 2023
Brady said in an interview on Northampton’s YouTube: “Considering what has happened over a two-and-a-half-year period I take over with three games to go and we miss out by three points and the problems we had then with injuries and players.
“Then we go last year and especially what happened at the end of last season where Scunthorpe lets get it right, fielding a youth team, it wasn’t right but we had to grit our teeth and go again. To get 163 points in two years, the hardest thing of what’s happened is that it doesn’t usually happen to us. We don’t come out on the right side. I’m not sure it has sunk in.”
Brady claimed that Scunthorpe fielded a young team, yet, the Irons only made three changes to the team which drew with Hartlepool United 1-1 a week earlier. Three players who played in the goalless draw with Northampton back in February were on hand to face Rovers. Scunthorpe had in its team Liam Feeney, 35 years old, and Anthony Grant, 34 years old. The EFL and FA launched an investigation but found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Here’s how fans react with the Northampton boss in tears during his emotional tribute…
@bwfctalk: Great interview, lovely words
@cityull: A very humble man you can see how much this club means to him, it’s great to have a manager who feels this attached to a club (we Hull city have one be also) 👏👏👏
@Bobjoll65: That is a true football man. Lovely interview.
@Gav1981: First time I’ve seen Jon Brady interviewed… seems a top bloke… good luck next season!
@mark42swfc: Great interview by @MichelleOwen7 👏🏻
@deanh1927: Wonderful this, tear in the eye. Good for them
@AlanLou1: Brilliant and respectful interview.. If anyone doubts the passion of managers and players it doesn’t apply to that man!
@theworries: Very well done guys (from a Hammer) I wish you all the luck and best wishes for the future. May those loved one’s you lost Rest in Power. 🩷❤️💛💚
@KieranMasters12: Done Northampton proud ❤️
@tolmeistertol: Top man, look forward to coming up against Northampton next season. Well done all.
@bigH82457393: This what what real football is about – keep your dirty money Man City, West Ham etc . Passion and love for the game is what it’s all about . Without teams and coaches like these football is dead. Well done #Northampton 👏
@wsavage_dcfc: Just gained a soft spot for Northampton now ❤️ look forward to meeting them next season 🐏
@pjlofty: Michelle you should be very proud. A wonderful sensitive and respectful interview showing such great understanding and respect.
@Joey1989118: Manager’s don’t get enough time/respect imo. As jon says there about seeing his family. Definitely takes alot of dedication and time. Glad northampton got promoted, see you next season!
@adamjamesred: Not sure what’s more commendable here. The fantastic interview, or the manner in which Jon Brady conducted himself when clearly overwhelmed by the rollercoaster of emotions he and his staff have experienced. You can tell it means the world to him. Well done Northampton Town 👏
@GHL72: Absolutely love that, grass roots football full of passionate and really good hard working and humble people. Well done Jon Brady, well done Northampton Town, enjoy the moment and I wish you well next season 👏
@_SteveMurphy_: Couldn’t love this man anymore #ntfc #shoearmy
@AndrewFarrar2: Really pleased they went up after the last seasons heart ache. Best of luck in league 1 @ntfc
@Scottyh5: Sounds a too bloke, working on a budget a lot smaller than some in that league. Puts his staff and players first, it goes along way. Deserves his plaudits 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@Stew2205: What this man has achieved is incredible. Brought the Club and fans together. Built a team who never know when they’re beaten and bounced back from last years heartache. Played half a season with 10 players missing but guided us over the line. What a man #ShoeArmy
@oldgrumpyman78: Every team needs a manager like this ! Bravo Jon and all at #Northampton ❤️
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