Ian Sampson has got two huge games within the space of three days next week. On Saturday he is travelling to Field Mill with his Northampton teammates to try and secure a play-off spot at Mansfield. The Stags are already in the mix while the Cobblers need to get a better result than Yeovil so three points would do the trick. On Monday evening, he finally gets his testimonial game against local rivals Rushden and Diamonds, and just in case he is feeling a bit tired following the weekend's exploits he is dragging back the Wembley team of 1997 to help him out in the second half. Northampton beat Swansea 1-0 in the Third Division play-off final at Wembley that year to clinch promotion. And Sampson, who was an integral member of that team, will be hoping that history repeats itself this year - albeit with a final at the Millennium Stadium. Ian Clarkson caught up with the 35-year-old ahead of his long weekend for an EXCLUSIVE interview with givemefootball.
Q:HOW LONG, EXACTLY, HAVE YOU BEEN AT NORTHAMPTON NOW?
A:I signed in August 1993 so just over ten years now. We actually started the testimonial activities a couple of years ago but haven't been able to organise a game until now. However, we hope to be in the play-offs and after playing in the first half we will hand over to the team of 1997 for the second half. Hopefully there will be a decent crowd if we are successful on Saturday.
Q:YOU LOOKED UNLIKELY PLAY-OFF CANDIDATES AT CHRISTMAS - WHAT HAS CHANGED?
A:Since Colin Calderwood took over from Martin Wilkinson as manager it is a totally different club. He has added some experience to the team with the signings of Des Lyttle and Rob Ullathorne and the results seem to have picked up accordingly. I have also being playing more regularly but I wouldn't presume it was down to me!
Q:THE TEAM HAS HAD A GREAT RUN OF FORM AT SIXFIELDS THOUGH HASN'T IT?
A:We were 19th in the table at Christmas but got a good result on Boxing Day and it seems to have mushroomed from there. We had something like ten straight home wins and are top of the recent form table quite comfortably. The fans have been good all season and are really behind us now as we have been getting 7,000 for our recent home games. If we are promoted then I am sure the club will be prepared for it, as the current board we have is the wealthiest I have ever known at Northampton. I know they have a five-year plan to get into the First Division.
Q:THERE HAVE BEEN SOME GOOD AND BAD TIMES DURING YOUR DECADE WITH THE CLUB - IS THE BEST HEALTH IT HAS EVER BEEN IN?
A:By far. Ever since David Cardoza and his dad took control of the club and the ground it looks to be heading one way. I think we will see start to see the benefits off the field of what they are planning and that can only be of benefit to the club.
Q:BY THIRD DIVISION STANDARDS YOU SPENT A LOT OF MONEY IN PRE-SEASON - DO YOU THINK THAT ADDED TO THE PRESSURE?
A:We spent a lot of money on players and the previous manager was blowing the trumpet about how successful we were going to be and I think that added extra pressure on to us. He definitely bought good potential but you have got to mould that into a team and he didn't do that.
Q:YOU HAVE OBVIOUSLY BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE WORK CARRIED OUT BY COLIN CALDERWOOD AND DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL JOHN DEEHAN?
A:John shares the workload with the gaffer and has an input during training and matches, which is a big help. The gaffer was coaching Tottenham's reserves before he came to us and the chairman spoke to people about him and decided to give him a chance. I think there are plenty of good people out there who just need to be given a chance and he has proved that.
Q:WHAT IS YOUR CONTRACT SITUATION?
A:I am 35 now but I feel as though I have definitely got another year left in me at least. Hopefully the fact that the manager has picked me regularly will stand me in good stead at the end of the season.
Q:WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY TO TRY AND BREAK A CLUB APPEARANCE RECORD?
A:I am currently second in the list of all time appearances for the club. I am on 446 and Tommy Fowler who has 500+ to his name holds the record. I don't think I will catch him as that would mean I would have to play to the age of about 40! However, it is a record I am very proud of and means that I have been playing over 40 games a season in my ten years at the club.
