Saints to name Barwell successor in September

Former chairman Barwell passed away last month, with Hewitt stepping into the role on a temporary basis.

The pair had worked together closely during Barwell’s tenure, which began in September 2011, and helped keep Saints on a stable footing.

The club are keen for that consistency to remain and Hewitt has stressed that will be key when the announcement is made in a couple of months’ time.

“We’ve had a seamless transition since I took over because I was working very, very closely with Leon and as he became ill I helped more and more,” said Hewitt.

“Really, we’re just continuing as we did before. Stability is very much the key for Northampton.

“I’ve been involved with Keith Barwell since 1988 and I was on the board with him when the club went professional and created the board in 1995 so I’ve been around a long time.

“Continuity is a very important thing. We have a consensus and we will announce the position at the AGM in September.”

Leon Barwell, who took over the role as chairman from father Keith, was a popular man at Franklin’s Gardens, building a great relationship between supporters and the club’s hierarchy.

And Hewitt wants to ensure Barwell’s good work is continued.

He said: “Leon had a brilliant engagement with supporters and we want to continue with his legacy. We’re working with the members of the board to continue that legacy in its various forms.”