The 2026/27 season is upon us as the majority of sides up and down the English football pyramid make their final preparations for their opening fixtures. At Kettering Town, who compete in the Southern League Premier Division Central, things are a little less settled.
Manager Liam McDonald sensationally stepped down following a 1-0 victory for the Poppies over Bedford Town at Latimer Park. The dramatic twist came just days before the season opener at home to Alvechurch, leaving fans on social media in disbelief.
Having lost Liam McDonald, the club issued an official statement in June 2026 confirming that they had also lost control of one of the club’s X accounts. The KTFC X account had recently been the subject of inappropriate posts, which the club officially condemned via its website. Individuals who previously had access to the club account have become the focus of an ongoing investigation by Kettering Town.
In the club statement, the threat of legal action against those responsible for the posts was made clear: “In addition to the unauthorised activity on the club’s X account, it appears that individuals previously associated with the club may still have access to the account, and this matter is now the subject of a thorough investigation.”
The club boasts a proud history, with the unique distinction of being the first club in England to display a shirt sponsor back in 1976. Kettering Tyres appeared on the front of the Poppies’ shirts during a Southern League Premier Division match against Bath City. The idea was the brainchild of former Leicester City and Wolves player Derek Dougan, although the FA did not initially share his enthusiasm.
The FA eventually agreed to allow a small logo on club shirts in 1977, and Dougan’s vision soon came to life, with clubs across the country eventually following Kettering’s lead by adopting full shirt sponsorships. However, the concept of shirt sponsorship dates back even further, with Uruguayan club Peñarol introducing a sponsor’s logo in the mid-1950s.
Kettering was also the destination for former England international Paul Gascoigne’s only job in club management. Gazza lasted just 39 days before being dismissed by then-owner Imraan Ladak. Gascoigne’s record in charge amounted to three wins, two draws and three defeats before personal struggles and off-field interference contributed to his departure in late 2005, having been appointed in October of the same year.
Kettering will enter the 2026/27 campaign under the guidance of management team Nick Green and David Bridgewater.