Northampton Town manager Kevin Nolan has provided an update on the absences of Akin Odimayo, Tariqe Fosu, and Tom Eaves following the Cobblers’ defeat to Blackpool, making clear there’s no major cause for concern.
Speculation had swirled ahead of the weekend after all three players were omitted from the squad that faced Steve Bruce’s Seasiders at Sixfields. However, Nolan moved quickly to reassure supporters that none of the omissions were down to serious injury setbacks.
Competition for Places Behind Key Selection Calls
Odimayo and Fosu, both regular fixtures in the matchday squad this season, were available for selection against Blackpool. Odimayo had been substituted during the previous match with Birmingham due to a shoulder issue, but had recovered in time. Fosu was an unused substitute in the same fixture, but neither made the cut for the 18-man squad on Saturday.
Nolan explained that the decision was purely tactical, reflecting the increased level of competition within the squad since several key players returned from injury.
“Those were just selection decisions. I thought the lads who were on the bench deserved to be on the bench and that was it. I’ve got to make these decisions because we’ve now got 20, 21 players training.”
Tyler Roberts returned to the starting line-up, while Luke Mbete and Nesta Guinness-Walker were named among the substitutes and featured off the bench. Their inclusion meant there was no space for either Odimayo or Fosu.
Nolan stressed that players left out must take it upon themselves to force their way back in, especially with the season reaching a crucial stage.
“It’s great to have that and now they need to prove to me next week that they want to be playing by doing the right things and if they do that there’ll be an opportunity to get back in the squad.”
Fitness Management Key to Eaves’ Ongoing Absence
As for Eaves, who hasn’t featured since early February, Nolan said the striker was back in training but wasn’t fully fit to be considered for the matchday squad. He was absent from Friday’s final session before the game due to fatigue, and the staff opted not to take any risks with his recovery.
“We just didn’t want to push Tom. He has trained in the week but he missed Friday because he was feeling a bit fatigued. But I’m hoping we’ll see him early next week and then for the game at the weekend.”
Nolan also hinted that defeats like the one suffered against Blackpool could present opportunities for sidelined players to step back in—if they show the right application.
“If you’re not playing, when a team loses, the manager looks at different things so it’s up to them now to apply themselves and show the right attitude and I’m sure they’ll be back in. But I’ve been delighted with the squad and it was just one of those decisions.”
Site Opinion
While Saturday’s omissions sparked some concern among fans, Nolan’s transparency reflects a squad environment built on form, fitness, and focus. This isn’t a case of players being frozen out—it’s about rewarding those who deliver in training and matches.
With depth finally returning to Northampton’s squad, Nolan now faces the healthy headache every manager wants: tough decisions based on merit. For Odimayo, Fosu, and Eaves, the message is clear—stay sharp, and your chance will come.
Leave a Reply