Friday 23 December 2011 19:21, UK
Goalkeeper Shane Higgs has been handed the number one shirt at Northampton following his arrival at Sixfields.
Higgs penned an 18-month deal on Thursday and takes the jersey off on-loan Chelsea stopper Sam Walker, who has now returned to his parent club. "I explained to Sam that Shane would be my first choice," said Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd. "Sam accepted the decision like the good professional he is and it was decided he would return to Chelsea. "It is in the interests of both Chelsea and Sam that he is playing regular first team football, but I explained that wasn't going to be the case here. "There was no point Sam staying here and not playing, and so it was in the interests of all concerned that he returned to his parent club. I would like to thank both Sam and Chelsea and wish them both well for the future."