Cobblers fans were left in shock this week after manager Jon Brady unexpectedly resigned. Many fans have expressed theories on social media citing the pressure of league one management and the club's growing injury list as reasons for the passionate Aussie's departure. However, Cobblers scoops can reveal the real reason for the Cobblers gaffer's exit, and it's out of this world!
An Unusual Encounter Near Moulton
In the days following the 4-1 defeat to Wrexham, Brady is believed to have gone on a post training reflective walk. He stumbled upon a strangely dressed figure sat next to a gleaming, odd looking vehicle.
The warrior, clad in full Beskar armor, mistook Brady's NTFC badge as a clan symbol and asked for his assistance. He explained he was a Mandalorian warrior from another galaxy who needed to refuel his N-1 Starfighter so he could continue his journey to Earls Barton where he was tracking a rogue smuggler named Crimson Jex.
When the affable Aussie filled it up with a spare can of petrol, the intergalactic warrior returned the favour by demonstrating combat stances, the Mandalorian code of honor, and even shared tips on how to forge Beskar armor.
As the Starfighter roared to life and disappeared into the sky, Brady stood in awe, clutching a Mandalorian insignia token the warrior left behind as a parting gift.
It was this encounter, Brady has later revealed to those close, that inspired him to transform his life and leadership, with dramatic results for the League One club.
Way of the Warrior
Brady’s obsession with Mandalorian culture quickly spilled over into his management of Northampton Town FC. Training sessions became unorthodox as the squad was introduced to "the Way of the Warrior."
"We'd usually have a tactics session for the following match, there was a quick turnaround as it was a Bristol Street Motors Trophy (now Vertu Trophy) game." explained a player who wished to remain nameless.
"But this one was a bit different. The gaffer gathered us together and explained we had to develope an approach to take down an opponent efficiently and ruthlessly using stealth attacks. Although the choice of language was a bit weird, the result spoke for itself when we won 2-0."
In previously unseen post match footage, Brady can be heard telling Radio Northampton's Tim Oglethorpe the real reason Notts County couldn't cope with the Cobblers tactics was the great Purge of Mandalore.
"I'll be honest Tim and Jake" the former Diamonds man states, "we knew coming in it's been decades since an opponent has faced off against a Mando attack in such numbers, whether it's The Jedi, Pirates, or a weakened Notts County team made up primarily of youth teamers, there's no guidebook for new padawans saying “here’s how you systematically counter a Mandalorian ambush.”
However, like the Galactic Empire's great purge, Brady's new methods left just a few scattered survivors.
Warrior Training Goes Awry
Initially, Brady's high intensity, combative style appeared to be paying off with wins against Orient and Crawley and a dramatic draw against big spending Stockport. However, there was a physical price to pay.
Players were reportedly taught combat techniques, hand-to-hand grappling, and how to wield Beskar forged weaponry which resulted in a string of injuries for the first team.
In one notable incident, the entire squad was instructed to dive into the lake behind Sixfields in search of the legendary creature Brady referred to as the "Mythosaur."
Tyler Magloire, attempting a particularly ambitious dive, sprained his ankle during the exercise, sidelining him for several weeks.
Tom Eaves: The First Mandalorian Cobbler
While many players struggled to adapt to Brady’s unconventional methods, striker Tom Eaves fully embraced the Mandalorian way and began wearing a custom-made mask during matches, believing a true Mandalorian must show total devotion to their creed and cover their face.
Unfortunately this came to a head within the opening moments of the Stevenage game with Boro skipper Carl Piergianni mocking Eaves's mask while stating he would never be worthy of the Dark Sabre.
Eaves's later red card led to defeat for NTFC, and before long Brady had accepted a new mission which would take him far from the former PTS Academy stadium.
The Supporters Trust: A Wretched Hive of Scum and Villainy
While heading home from Sixfields one evening in November Brady heard a cooing sound eminating from a skip near KFC. Upon investigation, he found a tiny, green-skinned creature with large ears and a mysterious aura.
"It looked up at me, and I knew right then my destiny had changed" Brady is alleged to have said.
"When I spoke to the Chairman about it, he said it was important to get the little guy as far away from Sixfields as possible, as the remnants of the Supporters Trust, led by Moff Roberts, would probably plan to harvest his blood for their experiments, which are part of a larger scheme to restore Imperial power to the club", Brady possibly said, before blasting upwards into the sky via jetpack.
Next Time: Keith Curle's Hat Spotted at Jedi Temple