Cobblers, Saints and Steelbacks chiefs look beyond the pandemic with NLive Radio

The men at the helm of Northampton’s three professional sports clubs will be discussing the impact of the pandemic in an exclusive NLive Radio show.

Northampton Saints RFC chairman John White, Northampton Town FC owner Kelvin Thomas and Northamptonshire CCC chairman, Gavin Warren, are guests on the next edition of Shout To The Top, the topical discussion show presented by University of Northampton Vice Chancellor, Nick Petford.

All three will talk candidly about how the pandemic has affected their clubs, and their vision as they look forward to a post-lockdown world.

Fighting for the club’s future

Cobblers boss, Kelvin, will talk about the club’s fight for League One survival, how the actions of the previous owners continue to hamper the club and how he is striving to achieve a sustainable future for Town. Kelvin will also lift the lid on his working relationship with US sporting icon, Shaquille O’Neal, and explain the benefits of the University’s sponsorship of the club.

Saints chairman, John, meanwhile, will talk about how injury curtailed his playing career and his belief in the county’s grassroots rugby scene. The brickie-turned-chairman of one of the UK’s biggest housebuilders will also explain how the club has managed to operate in lockdown, without its main sources of income – matchday and events.

Steelbacks chairman, Gavin, will reflect on a tough year for sporty children, and how he’s looking forward to welcoming spectators back to Wantage Road.

Nick said: “Northamptonshire has an incredible sporting heritage. With a bumper summer of sport lined up, it’s vital now to get the fans back in, and grass roots level up and running again.”

The show, which airs at 7pm on Wednesday 7 April, will also feature an interview with the inspiring Corby mum Mandy Young, who founded Adrenaline Alley, Europe’s largest urban sports venue.

ITV’s Paul McNamara, who produced Match of the Day and has covered major sporting occasions around the world, will also be on the show, along with the University’s very own Kate Williams. Kate, who is Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology, will talk about her BBC Radio career, her passion for sport – and the University’s Multimedia Sports Journalism course.

Shout To The Top airs on the first Wednesday of every month, on NLive Radio. Listen via the website – or if you are in Northampton, on 106.9FM. The show is also available as a podcast on iTunes.

Pictured from left are Kelvin Thomas, John White and Gavin Warren.