Kevin Thornton has signed a new one-year deal at Northampton, but Andy Holt has rejected an offer.
Sampson pleased midfielder has agreed 12-month extension
Kevin Thornton has signed a new one-year contract at Northampton Town, but Andy Holt has rejected the chance to stay at Sixfields.
Former Coventry midfielder Thornton joined the Cobblers in January on a short-term basis and scored once in 11 appearances as Ian Sampson's side enjoyed a successful second half of the season.
He has become the first of Northampton's out-of-contract players to commit his future to the club and manager Sampson is delighted to be keeping Thornton.
Sampson said: "I am pleased Kevin has signed.
"It is clear that he has a lot of talent and a lot of ability and the challenge for Kevin is to show that on a consistent basis next season. If he can do that, we will have a very good player on our hands"
However, utility man Holt has confirmed to Sampson that he has turned down the club's contract offer and he will now leave Sixfields.
The Cobblers had offered a new two-year deal to the 32-year-old, but Holt admitted after the final game of the season that he was being asked to take a substantial pay cut.
Sampson added: "We made the offer to Andy, but he has said no and so we move on to our other targets.
"Andy has been a good servant, we thank him for his service to the club over the last few years and wish him well for the remainder of his career."
