Management pair Green and Bridgwater have 'full backing' of Kettering Town owner Akhtar
George Akhtar has confirmed Nick Green and David Bridgwater are to be Kettering Town's new management pairing on a permanent basis - and not just as stop-gaps following Liam McDonald's departure.
The Poppies were thrown into pre-season turmoil last Friday when McDonald announced he was stepping down as first team manager - eight days ahead of the new Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central campaign.
The 41-year-old is under investigation by the Football Association for historic betting allegations dating back more than 10 years, with the news on that first surfacing back in March.
But despite working throughout the summer on recruitment and planning for the 2026/27 season, McDonald has decided now is the time to step back.
The club immediately announced that Green and Bridgwater would take over first team affairs, and Akhtar has now confirmed he and director of football Fabian Forde are not looking to bring a fresh manager in.
They are going to stick with what they, and perhaps more importantly, the players, know.
"Bridgy and Greeny have got the respect of the boys," Akhtar told BBC Northampton's Non-League Scene.
"They know the building, they know the expectations of the football club, and we didn't hesitate for a split-second to let them boys take charge and continue with the very exciting squad we have going into the new season.
"As far as I am concerned, they are the managers and that is our backroom staff.
"If I go into this season with the kind of notion of 'let's see how it goes', that doesn't bode well in terms of showing confidence in them.
"As far as we are concerned they have our full backing and they know that.
"Those two also have the players' backing, and they know that, so we have respect, continuity, solidarity.
"The expectation of the football club is really important and they are all fully behind what the plan is for this season, and to get promoted is the goal."
And he added: "We have no worries about Bridgy and Greeny being in charge.
"They are the brains behind Liam, and I say that respectfully.
"They are meticulous guys who work incredibly hard, with technical and tactical detailing, and they will also give the boys a kick up the backside when they need it.
"I, Fabian, and everybody at the football club are very comfortable with Greeny and Bridgy going into the new season and we are really excited, as they are as well."
The Poppies begin the new season with a home date against Alvechurch at Latimer Park on Saturday (ko 3pm).
Alvechurch, who include former Poppies skipper George Forsyth and ex-Harborough Town striker Ben Stephens in their ranks, will go into the game off the back of an eight-match unbeaten run in pre-season.