Controversial chairman Imraan Ladak has spoken of his shock at the reaction to sacking former Imps man John Deehan, and claims perhaps some people ‘lack loyalty’ by responding negatively.
Deehan was fired immediately after the 5-1 defeat to Leeds on Tuesday night as a direct result of his introduction of Lee Fowler, a player Ladak claims shouldn’t have played.
"It's very close to a million pounds I have put in over four years," Ladak told BBC Northampton. For people to turn against me after what I've done, that's an incredible lack of loyalty from some."
He added: "As a football fan I was probably quite fickle myself but I am amazed at the way in which people are talking about me."
He shouldn’t be. People such as John Deehan command a tremendous amount of respect across the football spectrum, and firing him doesn’t compare to firing Gazza a few years ago.
With Gazza at least there was some muck thrown that could potentially stick, but for a non football man to choose to dismiss a person of Deehans reputation seems fickle.
Ladak went on to try and excuse his rash decision.
"We have a player at the club, Lee Fowler, who doesn't want to be at the club and has made it very clear he doesn't want to be at the club," said Ladak.
"I felt when someone's that uncommitted off the field, they are that uncommitted on the field.”
"He came on and we conceded four goals. I think things would have been different if he hadn't been on the pitch.”
Perhaps it might have been more appropriate to try and sack Mike Grella, the Leeds player who inspired the inevitable flood of goals in the second half of extra time.
"I was very angry that he had been brought on because he was only on the bench to make up numbers but shouldn't have played."
It seems at Kettering Town ultimately it is the money man who has the say over team selection and not the football brain – at least that’s how this incident has panned out.
Ladak said that although he stands by his decision to dismiss Deehan, he regrets the timing of the incident.
"There's a big regret that the incredible performance has been overshadowed by the John Deehan scenario. I'm very disappointed that I've taken some of the positive spotlight away."
Ladak of course is no stranger to taking the spotlight away from his side. After Mark Cooper’s side held Lincoln to a 1-1 draw at Rockingham Road last year, Ladak managed to pour petrol on a volatile situation with an ill thought out press release that was later retracted.
Just a few short months ago he also managed to divert the spotlight away from The Imps search for a new manager by proclaiming that Steff Wright and co were trying to tap up Mark Cooper, when no such approach was contemplated by The Imps board. Therefore it comes as no surprise that Ladak has managed to divert attention away from his side and onto himself once again.
Player-manager Lee Harper had said he was to consider his position after the manner of Deehan's departure. However Ladak hopes the rookie manager will stay at the club.
"I think he's done a great job but unfortunately we have a difference of opinion. Lee's a very loyal person. I'm pleased he has these principles and I admire him for that. I do respect his opinion.”
"We have spoken and we will have to find a solution that's best for the football club."
Despite the criticism, Ladak intends to continue as chairman. I know I am committed to the football club, I think I am the best man for the club to be chairman.”
"I don't want to sell it and I don't want to go.”
To finally put a lid on the speculation Ladak added:
"I'm not egotistical that I have to be the chairman but I love the football club for some reason”
Lee Harper meanwhile appears to have calmed down over his initial threat to quit the club.
He told BBC Radio Northampton: "I'm more-or-less certain I want to stay at the football club.
"The feedback I've had from the fans has just been phenomenal."
He added: "I never wanted to leave. But my assistant was sacked and I felt that was unjust."
His main concern had been that Ladak might follow the ego trip all the way through and end up picking the team, an issue that has been sorted out in a recent meeting between the two.
"It's me picking the team so there's no issue with that," said Harper.
"The issue is why my assistant was sacked. We're going to go into that and who's going to replace him."
It seems for now that the Imps non league nemesis Ladak will be continuing in his quest for glory at Kettering Town, so LCM patiently awaits the next news worthy move by the flamboyant and controversial Chairman. Shouldn’t be a long wait.