Phil Parkinson thanked Northampton-bound duo Alan Connell and Ricky Ravenhill for their role in getting City into League One.

The pair yesterday became Chris Wilder’s first signings at Sixfields after being on the fringes.

But Parkinson insisted they would be remembered for last season’s efforts.

He said: “Northampton have pushed the boat out to get both players. They’ve got a new manager and it’s a good move for both of them.

“We always knew that we wanted Alan to move on in this window. He hasn’t played for a long time.

“But he did us a good job last year and got us some important points. He contributed a lot to the promotion.

“Even when he wasn’t in the team, he was a good lad which is important in the squad.

“Ricky has been more of a squad player rather than permanent fixture for a while. But he had a good run at the end of last season.

“You can’t fault his attitude. He’s been tremendous for us on and off the pitch.”

Ravenhill only recently returned from an eight-game loan spell with the Cobblers under their previous boss Aidy Boothroyd.

Parkinson added: “We let him go out on loan because of his frustration at not playing this year.

“He did well for them and we brought him back. But I had an agreement with him that if he did get a longer contract somewhere we wouldn’t stand in his way.

“Even though he has been out injured last couple of weeks, you sensed that he just wanted to play and you’ve got to respect that.”