League One sack race: Kevin Nolan could be dismissed after Northampton Town latest
Northampton Town manager Kevin Nolan could be the next League One boss to lose their job after his side’s weekend defeat to Leyton Orient.
Northampton are now sitting 22nd in the third-tier after a run of just one win in their last nine league outings.
Nolan‘s side lost 2-1 on home turf to fellow relegation-battlers Leyton Orient on Saturday, with two points now between them and 20th-placed Burton, who also have a game in hand.
The former Newcastle and West Ham midfielder took the job as the Cobblers boss in December 2024, and led them to a secure 19th-placed finish last season.
This season has felt different, however, and with optimism that he is the right man for the job fading, Nolan may soon be out of work before Northampton feel it is too late to make a change.
Kevin Nolan needs positive results ASAP at Northampton
Nolan entered management in 2016 after a successful playing career, as he took on a player-manager role at Leyton Orient and won seven of his 15 games at the helm before being removed from the post after four months.
He spent 18 months in charge of Notts County between 2017 and 2018, 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 33 League One matches so far.
Their form does not look like improving anytime soon, especially after they handed Orient their second win in just 11 games on Saturday.
Northampton 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.
- Read more: League One sack latest: Jack Wilshere decision is inevitable after new Luton Town development
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 earlier this month, with Nolan among numerous others who could be sacked next.
Jack Wilshere is another third-tier manager under pressure right now, after his Luton side fell to 10th following a 1-1 draw with relegation-battling Burton.
The ex-Arsenal and England star was seen clashing with Hatters fans after that game, 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 below Northampton in 23rd place after a run of only two wins in 16 league outings.