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Northampton chairman David Cardoza has said he will reduce the playing budget next season, but insists it will be within the "top seven" of League Two.

The Cobblers were beaten 3-0 by Bradford in the play-off final after finishing the campaign in sixth place.

"We spent far too much this season," Cardoza told 91�ȱ� Radio Northampton.

"Next season it will be less but it won't be very noticeable because we were carrying two or three big earners who weren't playing anyway."

Boss Aidy Boothroyd has already started his rebuilding for next season and the wage bill will be lighter following defender Clarke Carlisle's retirement and the release of striker Adebayo Akinfenwa.

"Thankfully we got to the play-off final and made some money back - not as much as people think, but that's sort of paid back what we spent," said Cardoza, who took ownership of the Sixfields club in 2002.

"If anything the fans will look at one or two of our signings and think they're really exciting."

Recalling his first visit to Wembley with Northampton, Cardoza said the day turned out to be "embarrassing" after his side were 3-0 down after 30 minutes.

"It was a great day and a great experience, ruined by 90 minutes of football," he said.

"What a shame to get so far and pull off one of our away performances that we've tried to forget this season.

"It was embarrassing. I wish the earth could have swallowed me up when the third goal went in.

"But we were 90 minutes away from promotion, let's not forget that. And a few weeks before that we were in the top three."