Ryan Gilligan feels that the Cobblers form since Stuart Gray arrived at the club has given them real hopes of success next season.

"It has been a long haul this season but I think in the last 10 to 15 games we've really shown what we are about," he said.

"We've produced some good performances in the last couple of months and that has been pleasing.

"We've had a lot of highs and lows this season but I think Stuart Gray has bought a lot of stability to the club and that is what we needed.

"Stuart has instilled a lot of belief amongst the lads and I think next season could be a very exciting one. I think we have gelled really well as a team, Mark Hughes has come in and done well as have all the lads that have come in on loan.

"As players we were disappointed when John Gorman left, him leaving came as a bit of a shock and as a group we wondered if we were partly responsible for that.

"Stuart then came in and stamped his own authority on the team and ultimately that has paid off.

"I have worked really hard in training and my reward for that was getting a consistent run in the team which has been good.

"I've said before that I just want to play football and as long as I'm doing that I'm happy and I'm not too bothered where in the team I play to be honest as long as I'm playing. In saying that I do like playing in the midfield because I see a bit more of the ball which is nice.

"I think as a midfield three we have gelled together and with Jason Crowe and Andy Holt as wing-backs I think the system has worked well for us and hopefully that will continue to be the case.

"Speaking to the likes of Simon Cox and Jordan Robertson they, like me, just want to play football and I think that there is every chance that they could be here next season.

"The lads have bonded brilliantly, the team spirit here is excellent and even the new lads that have come in have gelled really well.

"I'm sure there will be some new players coming in over the summer and I think the manager will probably look to bring in a bit of experience. The likes of Sean Dyche, Ian Taylor and Eoin Jess are irreplaceable really but I'm sure he will bring in some players with big personalities to try and do that.

"I've got a year left on my contract and my target for next season will be the same as it is for every season, just to play in as many games as I can.

"We are looking forward to Saturday, I'm sure we will have quite a few fans travelling upto Doncaster and that should make for a good game."