K is for Kouo-Doumbé
Mathias Kouo-Doumbé enjoyed one final swansong at the end of his career at Northampton Town. He brought strength and experience to Aidy Boothroyd’s squad for the 2013/14 season, having spent 10 years in the English game.
The defender quickly became a regular feature in the Cobblers backline under Boothroyd and that continued when Chris Wilder replaced him midway through the relegation-threatened campaign. Kouo-Doumbé netted three goals under Wilder, the last of which helped seal the Cobblers’ survival on the final day of the season, concluding his playing days with a moment to savour.
The former French Under-21 international experienced a successful career after being released by Paris Saint-Germain in 2001, having developed in their esteemed academy, whilst also coaching the club’s under-13 team.
Not before long, the Frenchman was signed by Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, reaching the Scottish League Cup Final three seasons later. Having made an impression on boss Bobby Williamson, who joined Plymouth Argyle in the English Championship the following summer, Kouo-Doumbé was soon persuaded to follow suit.
While plying his trade on the south coast, Kouo-Doumbé played 142 times in five years. He was the Argyle squad’s longest-serving outfield player when he mutually parted ways in 2009.
Despite having a trial with Millwall, he signed for Milton Keynes Dons and made a further 141 appearances, scored 14 goals, and was voted Players’ Player of the Year in 2011. He was reluctantly released by boss Karl Robinson in 2013, but became a great asset for the Cobblers, and now spends his time working as a sports business developer in his homeland.
