Ian Sampson says he is hopeful that defender Mark Hughes will sign a new deal to stay at Sixfields.

"The offer to Mark remains open and the ball is in his court at the moment," said the Cobblers coach.

"We are being fairly loyal to him in keeping the offer open and if he really wants to stay here then he will sign the contract.

"I think he should sign for us and if I was in his position I'd want to secure my future with so many players looking for clubs.

"No one has offered him a contract elsewhere at the moment so he is playing a bit of a dangerous game. I think he needs to make a decision fairly soon and hopefully he will do that. The offer he has been made is a very good offer. It is reduced from last season but not by much. For a League 2 defender it is a very good offer.

"Giles Coke has shown his commitment to the club and we are delighted that he has agreed to stay with us.

"He had a difficult time last season with injuries and a bit of a lack of form but hopefully he can now show his full potential. He has got something to prove to everybody at the club and hopefully he can do that.

"His career at Northampton has been a bit stop start thus far but obviously we have gone down a division and the stage is now set for him to show us what he can do.

"I wasn't surprised that Jason Crowe signed for Leeds United and when a club like that comes calling it is hard to turn down.

"In my opinion he was our best player last season, he was consistently good in every game he played and although we are obviously sad to see him go he leaves with our best wishes."