Boss Stone rewarded for 'progress' as he pens new deal at Wellingborough Town

Stone has been rewarded for his excellent work at the Dog & Duck, with the Doughboys just missing out on a play-off place in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division last season.

Promoted from the United Counties League two years ago, Stone has ensured the rise to Step 4 has been negotiated with some comfort, with successive top 10 finishes.

Last season saw Borough endure a difficult start, but they came good around the turn of the year to push themselves into contention for a top five place, but they couldn't quite get over the line.

In the end, the Doughboys finished ninth, seven points off the play-offs, but had the consolation of being the leading Northants team ahead of neighbours AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Corby Town.

Stone's new deal was announced via a joint statement from chairman Mark Darnell and vice chairman Jordan Souster.

"The club is delighted to announce that manager Jake Stone has agreed an extension and will continue in his role for the 2026/27 season, following another positive and progressive campaign," it read.

"Having now completed our second season at Step 4, we are proud of the continued progress the club has made both on and off the pitch.

"Since our promotion from Step 5, our aim has been to establish purselves at this level and become a recognised, well-run club that players and supporters want to be a part of.

"Achieving two top 10 finishes in our first two seasons at this level, and finishing above several well-established clubs is testament to that progress.

"This season proved to be particularly competitive, reflected in the narrow points margin separating the league positions throughout the whole campaign.

"While we narrowly missed out on the play-offs, the campaign has laid exciting foundations for next season.

"This will be Jake's eighth season at the football club, and his commitment is very rare to find.

"Securing Jake's ongoing commitment was a vital part of that process and the last two years of progession can be built upon moving forward.

"With the potential of additional play-off places set to be introduced next season, we are optimistic of being competitive yet again and look forward to building on the progress made this year."

As well as Stone agreeing to stay on, all of his coaching staff have also penned new deals, ensuring Jake Cayton, Jay Bazzone, Ollie Northover and Tom Chapman will all be involved again next season, and they will be joined by a new coach in Joe Pygall, who is the head of Moulton College Football Academy.