Sheehan takes up new challenge with Northampton

Alan Sheehan has embarked on a new chapter in his football career after joining Northampton Town as a player/coach.

The Athlone man played under current Northampton manager Keith Curle when the latter was in charge of Notts County. Now they have linked up again with the League One outfit.

Having signed on an appearance based contract, Sheehan (pictured above) made his Northampton debut in the recent defeat to Portsmouth. He started last Saturday's 3-2 victory over Wigan Athletic and played in the 0-0 draw against MK Dons last night (Tuesday).

Known as The Cobblers due to the town's shoemaking history, Northampton are currently 17th of the 24 teams in League One.

Alan's dad Michael Sheehan said his son is very pleased with the coaching and playing role with Northampton.

"Alan wants to play as long as he can and he's delighted with the chance to work on the coaching side of things as well," Michael told the Westmeath Independent

Another plus is Northampton's location in the East Midlands which means Alan doesn’t have to travel far to attend training.

Alan and his partner Holly had great news in recent months with the arrival of Summer, a baby sister for Willow. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Michael has been unable to travel to England to see his new granddaughter, but he hopes that situation will change in the new year.

During his time with Luton Town, Sheehan captained the Hatters to back-to-back promotions from League 2 to the Championship.

The Coosan native has made almost 450 career appearances in English football, scoring 29 goals. The 34-year-old, who can operate as a central defender or left-back, has also played for Leicester City, Leeds United, Swindon Town, Notts County and Bradford City.

"He is an influential figure, a leader, an excellent character, he understands his craft of defending and is a very good player," Keith Curle told the Northampton Town FC website after signing Sheehan.

"He has very high standards, he is a good organiser and an excellent example to other players around him. We have signed a top professional, an organiser and someone who I feel will be of benefit to us.

"I managed him eight or nine years ago when he was at Notts County and he has an excellent football brain. He can play and he can defend and he spots danger," the Northampton manager continued.

"He has been training here for the last few weeks - he is a very good professional who has already fitted in very well in the dressing room. If someone is not doing what they need to be doing when they need to be doing it, he is not shy of telling them in the right way and that is just what we need."