Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Thu 5 March 2026 17:13, UK

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Kevin Nolan is surely set to be the next League One manager to lose his job after Northampton’s Vertu Trophy run came to an end with a defeat to Luton Town on Wednesday.

Nolan’s side were beaten 2-1 by Luton at Kenilworth Road in the semi-finals of the Vertu Trophy as they came agonisingly close to a first trip to Wembley with fans in attendance since 2013.

Liam Walsh’s late winner sent the Hatters to the final against Stockport County after Nahki Wells’ equaliser had cancelled out Kyle McAdam’s early opener.

Northampton have failed to win any of their last six games, and now have nothing but a place in League One next season to play for, as they currently sit 23rd in the table with 11 games to play.

The League One relegation battle is set to go to the wire this season, and the Cobblers may be better off sacking Nolan if they still want to be in the third tier next term.

Kevin Nolan now under serious pressure at Northampton after Luton defeat

Nolan managed both Leyton Orient and Notts County after retiring from playing, then held coaching roles with West Ham and England under-20s between 2020 and 2024 before being appointed by Northampton.

Despite a decent start to life at Sixfields, things have not gone to plan for Nolan or the club this season, with just nine wins from 35 League One matches so far.

Their form does not look like improving anytime soon, especially after they handed bottom-of-the-table Port Vale their sixth league win of the season on home turf last week.

This latest defeat to Luton feels like a significant one for Nolan’s future, with fans fuming that they have fallen at the last hurdle in terms of getting a big day out at Wembley.

Northampton’s Verty Trophy run was something for the under-fire boss to hang his hat on and point to in tough times, but now that it is over, he could well be sacked very soon.

Their supporters are becoming increasingly disillusioned with Nolan’s management and the prospect of relegation back to League Two, with many wanting him out, which could well become a reality very soon.

One took to X after the loss to Luton to say: “Now the novelty of that is over, get Nolan gone,” while another added: “First chance to reach a final in history. 4 shots, not even had a go. Get him gone.”

Which other League One managers are under pressure right now?

Ryan Lowe was the last League One boss to be relieved of his duties, as he left Wigan last month before Football Insider revealed last month that the Latics were set to appoint Gary Caldwell as their next manager.

Nolan is among numerous others who could be sacked next, but Luton boss Wilshere is another third tier manager under pressure right now, with his side winning just two of their last nine league games.

The ex-Arsenal and England star was seen clashing with Hatters fans after their recent draw with struggling Burton, and it certainly would not be a shock to see him leave soon.

Rotherham United’s Matt Hamshaw may also be facing the music in the near future, with his side sat one place above Northampton in 22nd, after a run of only three wins in their last 19 league outings.