By Nathan Jackson
April 21 2005

In our latest round of interviews, we talk to Northampton Town fan, Rob Jackson. Rob, a 22 year old follower of the Cobblers talks about his team's inconsistency, cup runs and the "me and my shadow" promotion fight with Darlington.

NAME

Rob Jackson

AGE

22

SUPPORTED NORTHAMPTON FOR

13 years

BEST THING ABOUT BEING A NORTHAMPTON FAN?

The club having good potential to be promoted is probably the best thing that we have going for us anymore. Our little cup runs are often eventful and it was a good day all around last year when we played against Man Utd in the 4th round of the FA Cup.

WORST THING ABOUT BEING A NORTHAMPTON FAN?

Just because we have the potential, doesn't nessacerily mean we're going to use it. This season, we though that the title would be between either us, you or Yeovil but whilst you and Yeovil have done well, we've been struglling with inconsistency which has prevented us from doing anythng note worth.

BEST AND WORST MEMORIES OF BEING A NORTHAMPTON FAN

A few promotions here and there coupled with the game against Man Utd last year. However, there were also many bad seasons and it's amazing we didn't get relegated back to this division sooner.

YOU SAID YOUR INCONSISTENCY HAS BEEN A PROBLEM, IS THERE ANY TIME FRAME YOU COULD SPECIFY THAT WOULD HIGHLIGHT SUCH PROBLEMS?

Right now is probably the biggest example, we were getting along ok, not fantastically but looked to have a good chance of getting into the playoffs but now, even with Darlington not winning for a while, we have failed to take advantage and have lost 3 on the bounce.

We've been behind you and Darlington near enough since the new year and it just feels like we've become your shadows and until recently, we were all pretty close together but we're now falling away and I feel worried about Saturday as you lot will be up for it seeing as you only need a single point to guarantee the playoffs.

WHERE DO YOU RECKON NORTHAMPTON'S REALISTIC LIMITS ARE (I/E, HOW FAR IN THE LEAGUE STRUCTURE CAN THEY GET WITHOUT STRUGGLING)?

I reckon that the club could hold it's own in the Championship, not challenging for promotion but also not in danger of relegation. The town could certainly cope but the stadium could do with doing up if that were to happen.

WHO ARE YOU BEST PLAYERS?

Josh Low, Marc Richards, Eric Sabin

WHO DO YOU RATE AS CITY'S BEST PLAYERS

Simon Yeo and Gary Taylor-Fletcher.

FINALLY, WHO DO YOU RECKON WILL GO UP AND DOWN?

Up : Southend, Scunny, Macclesfield, Yeovil (playoffs).

Down : Cambridge, Kiddy