Northampton Town boss Kevin Nolan has revealed the Cobblers ‘have an option‘ to keep Nottingham Forest prospects Kyle McAdam and Ben Hammond beyond the current campaign.
21-year-old McAdam provided the assist for Tom Eaves’ winner in the midweek victory over AFC Wimbledon, delivering a measured ball back across goal from the left flank.
It’s now been revealed that the League One outfit has an option on both players; whether that is for another season loan, or to buy, remains unclear. After a tough time at Mansfield, Noaln is eager to see McAdam thrive at Sixfields.
“It didn’t quite work out for him there but he’s come into a new environment and hopefully it’s an environment he’ll thrive in,” he said. “We’ll help him and the good thing is that we have options to keep both of the lads beyond this season.”
His goal contribution might have surprised a few Stags fans, who didn’t see the best of the youngster, but it was no surprise to Nolan.
“It was a fantastic goal to win it and hats off to Kyle because he put a lovely ball back across for Eavesy to stick it in,” said Nolan. “I’m delighted for the two new lads who made their debuts. They’ve come through it unscathed and both did well.”
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While deadline day signings can often be framed as reactive deals, Nolan was keen to stress that McAdam’s arrival was anything but rushed.
“I think some people thought we were just taking Kyle and Ben because it was deadline day but I’ve been monitoring these lads for over a year so I know what they can do. We first asked about Kyle last July but Mansfield already had a deal lined up.”
That insight offers a clear indication of the faith the Cobblers manager has in the Forest youngster. Rather than a short-term fix, McAdam appears to have been a long-term target, identified early and revisited once circumstances allowed.
Nolan belief
The emphasis throughout Nolan’s comments is not just on McAdam’s technical quality, highlighted by his assist at Plough Lane, but on his potential and the belief that he can flourish with consistent backing and opportunity. From the manager’s perspective, this is a player he already trusts, already understands, and expects to improve further over the coming months.
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For a 21-year-old adjusting to a new club mid-season, such public endorsement carries weight. If Nolan’s words are any indication, Northampton view McAdam as far more than a temporary addition, but as a young talent capable of making a meaningful impact both now and, potentially, beyond the current campaign.
Whether that is at Northampton or Nottingham Forest does now seem to depend on Kevin Nolan and the Cobblers’ recruitment team.