Alexandre Pato Joins Northampton Town Board After Takeover

Former Brazil and AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato has joined the board of Northampton Town following the completion of the club’s takeover by Sports Alpha Capital (SAC).

SAC has acquired a 70 per cent stake in Northampton Town Ventures Limited, the company that owns the majority shareholding in the League Two club. Existing owners David Bower, Nigel Le Quesne and Kelvin Thomas will retain a combined 30 per cent stake.

The takeover was approved earlier this month by the Independent Football Regulator and the English Football League. Northampton also confirmed that the deal leaves the club debt-free after it reported a pre-tax loss of almost £3 million in April.

Pato, 37, is among SAC’s investors and will now serve as a director on Northampton’s board. He attended the club’s 1-0 League Two win over Newport County on September 5 alongside other SAC investors.

The Brazilian is best known for his five-and-a-half-year spell at AC Milan, where he scored 63 goals in 150 appearances and helped the Italian club win the 2010-11 Serie A title. He retired from professional football in 2025.

The takeover also brings changes to Northampton’s leadership. Kelvin Thomas, who had served as chairman for more than a decade, has stepped down from the position but will remain a shareholder and director.

SAC’s Joao Xavier and Tim Chamberlain have become co-chairmen, while chief executive James Whiting and supporters’ representative Tom Cliffe will continue as board members. Jim Rosenthal and Mike Wailing have left their board positions and will serve as associate directors.

In a joint statement, Xavier and Chamberlain said SAC had ambitious plans for Northampton but would balance those plans with financial sustainability and the club’s responsibilities to its local community.

The new owners said they would work with supporters, staff, partners, the Community Trust and other local stakeholders as they seek to develop the club on and off the pitch.

Northampton were relegated to League Two last season after finishing bottom of League One. Chris Hogg was appointed manager in May, while the club signed 13 players during the summer transfer window, including Manchester City striker Matty Warhurst.