Cobblers fans were left stunned this morning by the news that Chinese company 5USport had purchased a major stake in the club. So who are these new investors and what will it mean for the future of the Northampton Town FC?
Here are 10 facts about the Sport Development and Education company and the likely impact they will have at Sixfields.
1) 5USport have bought 60% of the parent company that owns the Cobblers. Despite this, current chairman Kelvin Thomas has insisted the deal is not a takeover.
1) 5USport have bought 60% of the parent company that owns the Cobblers. Despite this, current chairman Kelvin Thomas has insisted the deal is not a takeover.
2) Thomas is to continue as chairman and the existing staff will remain in place at Sixfields.
3) 5USport are keen to strengthen the club on and off the pitch with likely investment on the first team squad and youth team.
4) One possible target for the new Cobblers investors could be former town striker and cult figure Adebayo Akinfenwa. So far 5USport have remained type lipped on the former AFC Wimbledon and Gillingham front man returning for a third spell at Sixfields but their CEO Tom Ayeung has yet to deny the "beastmode" striker is on his way back to Upton Way.
On his way back?
5) Akinfenwa has a cult following online thanks to his classification as the "world's strongest player" on video game FIFA.
6) 5USport are based in China and are keen to boost the club's profile in the lucrative Chinese market.
7) The Terracotta Army is one of China's most famous historical sites. In total the famous sculptures took 37 years to build, the exact length of time it would take to read the redevelopment thread on Cobblers message board the Hotel End.
8) Despite their similar names, 5USport have no connection to the TV station Channel 5 or sister station 5USA.
9) Popular Channel 5 shows include Chris Tarrant's Extreme Railways and long running Australian soap Neighbours.
5) Akinfenwa has a cult following online thanks to his classification as the "world's strongest player" on video game FIFA.
6) 5USport are based in China and are keen to boost the club's profile in the lucrative Chinese market.
7) The Terracotta Army is one of China's most famous historical sites. In total the famous sculptures took 37 years to build, the exact length of time it would take to read the redevelopment thread on Cobblers message board the Hotel End.
8) Despite their similar names, 5USport have no connection to the TV station Channel 5 or sister station 5USA.
9) Popular Channel 5 shows include Chris Tarrant's Extreme Railways and long running Australian soap Neighbours.
10) Although he was in the original episode in 1985, Paul Robinson actor Steffan Dennis is not the longest serving Neighbours cast member. That honour goes to Alan Fletcher, aka Doctor Karl Kennedy, who has starred continuously in the Melbourne based drama since debuting in September 1994.
