Cobblers goalkeeper Shane Higgs has had his contract terminated and has left the Sixfields club.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper has fought his way back to fitness after suffering an Achilles injury in January, but has found himself behind on loan goalkeeper Lee Nicholls so far this season.
“After long conversations we decided it was in the best interests of all parties to terminate Shane’s contract,” said Town manager Aidy Boothroyd.
“We wish Shane every success for the future.”
Higgs has been frustrated this term after his recovery from the Achilles injury he sustained in training 11 months ago.
It was widely anticipated that once he was fit again, Higgs would reclaim the number one spot in the Town starting line-up. But that has not been the case.
Teenager Nicholls - who yesterday signed a long-term deal committing his future to Wigan Athletic - was initially signed as cover in the close season when American shot-stopper Neal Kitson decided to leave the club for personal reasons, but the Latics youngster has performed so well that he has kept Higgs on the sidelines.
Indeed, Nicholls has played in every league game for the Cobblers so far this season.
Higgs’ only appearances this season have been in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash with Colchester United, in which he suffered concussion and had to be substituted in the first half, and the two FA Cup matches with Bradford City.
In all, Higgs made just six appearances for the Cobblers after he signed for the club last December.
The decision to terminate Higgs’ contract means that teenager Dean Snedker will again step up to be the Cobblers’ number two and will be on the bench for tonight’s npower League Two clash with Morecambe (ko 7.45pm).
 |  |