Northampton appoint Gary Johnson as manager

Northampton have appointed former Bristol City and Peterborough boss Gary Johnson as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The Cobblers sacked Ian Sampson on Wednesday with the club languishing in 16th place in the npower League Two table and have moved quickly to land 55-year-old Johnson, who left Peterborough in January.

Chairman David Cardoza said: "I am delighted we have got our man. As soon as we parted with Ian Sampson, we identified Gary as our top target and we moved quickly to get him.

"It is a sign of our ambition that not only did we target Gary but that we have been able to appoint him as our new manager.

"He has all the attributes we are looking for - experience, a proven record, he has led sides to promotion at different levels in the Football League and he has a wealth of experience and contacts."