Scorer of 37 goals in 88 league appearances for the Cobblers between January 2008 and the end of the 2009/10 season, powerhouse striker Akinfenwa then made a move across League Two to Gillingham last season where he netted 11 times during the campaign.
Having agreed only a one-year deal at Priestfield the 29-year-old was expected to leave this summer but Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler may be surprised by his destination having told BBC Radio Kent recently: "He's got options from the league above and that's where he sees himself."
Instead it's another season in League Two and a return to Sixfields where Akinfenwa will look to deft the old adage of 'never go back' after agreeing a deal which Gary Johnson believes shows the ambition of the Cobblers hierarchy.
“He is the sort of signing that shows to other potential targets, the supporters, and the wider public of Northampton just how ambitious we are to take this club forward," said Johnson.