A brand new book, detailing the impact of the work of Northampton Town Football Club in the local community has been published.
Written by author Rodney Marshall, who has spent the last few months speaking to both people who engage with the club's work in the community and the staff who help deliver such programmes, the book takes a look at the depth and variety of the club's work, and shines a light on some of the people whose lives have been changed for the better.
From lifelong Chelsea fan Andy, aged sixty, who credits the club's Community Trust's work for playing a big part in his recovery from mental illness after "I had made five significant attempts on my life," to a look at the club's work with the University of Northampton, role in education, the Academy, female football, breaking down barriers and more.
This is the untold story of Northampton Town Football Club away from the pitch.
As Chairman Kelvin Thomas writes in the foreword:
"This book tells the story of the power of football, and Northampton Town Football Club in particular, from a different angle, an angle not always in the news, not always in the public eye. But where on pitch results can bring inconsistency, this work is very consistent. Where the mood of supporters goes up and down with every win and loss, the mood of those who come in to contact with the club through our community work is always positive. This book is about Northampton Town Football Club as you might not have seen us before."
Only Connect, written by Rodney Marshall is available now from Amazon, priced at £7.99.