Northampton Town have completed the signing of winger Owen Dale from Oxford United. The move sees the League Two club swap one former Wigan Athletic player for another, with veteran Michael Jacobs departing Sixfields.
Chris Hogg's side currently sit 18th in the League Two table, having taken three points from their opening four matches. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Newport County on September 5th.
Owen Dale is a 27-year-old wide player who joins Northampton Town after a season with Oxford United. He spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Wigan Athletic, following a full previous term with Plymouth Argyle. Manager Chris Hogg expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition. "Owen is an exciting signing," Hogg said. "I think he is someone the supporters will enjoy watching." Dale's arrival is intended to add pace and directness to a Cobblers attack that has scored just two goals so far this season.
Michael Jacobs's exit from Northampton Town was confirmed as the club decided not to take up an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months. The 34-year-old, who had a five-season spell with Wigan Athletic that included League One title wins under Gary Caldwell and Paul Cook, has now joined non-league side Harborough Town. He made his debut for them in a victory over Morecambe. His departure marks the end of an experienced presence in the squad, with the club opting for a younger profile in Dale.
The transfer represents a shift in the attacking resources available to Chris Hogg. With the team six points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers, fresh impetus is needed. Dale will be expected to contribute immediately to improve a recent run of form recorded as DDLD. Fans can track how the squad shapes up on the official squad page. The club's defensive record has been slightly better, conceding only three goals, but overall results need to improve from their current -1 goal difference.
The immediate focus is firmly on the next league match at Sixfields stadium. Newport County, who are 14th, visit on September 5th. This game presents a key opportunity for Northampton Town to climb the standings and build momentum. All preparation will now integrate Owen Dale into the group as they aim for a first win of the campaign. The full schedule of upcoming games is available on the club's fixtures list.
