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AFC Rushden & Diamonds

Coordinates: 52°17′28.45″N 0°35′14.33″W / 52.2912361°N 0.5873139°W / 52.2912361; -0.5873139
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AFC Rushden & Diamonds
Nickname(s)The Diamonds
Founded2011
GroundHayden Road, Rushden [1]
Capacity2,955 (257 seated)
ChairmanRob Usher
ManagerMichael Harriman
LeagueNorthern Premier League Division One Midlands
2023–24Northern Premier League Division One Midlands, 19th of 20 (reprieved)
Websitehttps://www.afcdiamonds.com
Current season

A.F.C. Rushden & Diamonds is an English football club based in Rushden in Northamptonshire. They played their opening season at Kiln Park, the home of Raunds Town, in 2011–12 and subsequently shared the Dog & Duck ground with Wellingborough Town from July 2012 to the summer of 2017. A groundshare agreement with Rushden & Higham United was agreed for the 2017–18 season. The club was formed by supporters in July 2011, after Rushden & Diamonds, a former Football League club, were expelled from the Football Conference and liquidated.[2][3][4]

At an open meeting chaired by a supporters group called SaveRDFC, a mandate was agreed upon to create a phoenix club,[3][5] fully owned and controlled by its supporters. A team was created and accepted into the Northants Senior Youth League for the 2011–12 season, while a senior team played in the United Counties Football League Division One for the 2012–13 season.[6] They are currently members of the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands.

History

[edit]

Background

[edit]

The original Rushden & Diamonds was formed on 21 April 1992, following the merger of Irthlingborough Diamonds and Rushden Town. The club's early years were marked by success. Within four seasons the club had reached the Conference National, and within nine the club were members of the Football League. However, following their promotion to Division Two the Diamonds' fortunes took a turn for the worse. The club were relegated twice in three years, and suffered instability off the field. Seven different managers took charge of the team between March 2004 and May 2011, while the club itself was controlled by four different parties during the same period. Following a period of sustained financial difficulties during the 2010–11 season, the club were expelled from the Conference at the end of the campaign,[7] and entered administration that July.[8]

Establishment

[edit]

AFC Rushden & Diamonds was created during the summer of 2011 by Rushden & Diamonds fans as a "phoenix club" after the original Diamonds were expelled from the Conference National, and subsequently went on to fail to secure a place in the Southern League Premier Division.[9] After missing the FA league deadline for registering a senior side, AFC R&D formed a youth team to compete in the Northants Senior Youth League for the club's inaugural 2011–12 season, with the intention of fielding a senior side the following year. Following an open fans' meeting, supporters voted to play their games for the 2011–12 season at Kiln Park, Raunds, the home of Raunds Town.[10] Former Rushden & Diamonds head of youth development Mark Starmer was appointed as manager, initially taking control of the Under-18 side.[11] The U18s were accepted into the Northants Senior Youth League for the 2011–12 season,[12] but no senior side was registered in time for that season.

The club's first match was a 3–0 loss to Raunds Town in a friendly youth match played on 6 August 2011, attended by 350 supporters.[13] The first ever competitive goal scored at any level for the new club was a penalty from Lewi Williams in the inaugural match of the Dale Roberts Memorial Cup against Cleveland Juniors at Kiln Park on 14 August 2011.[14] The Diamonds played their first competitive game on 25 August 2011, winning 3–0 against Daventry Town in the Northants Senior Youth League. The side ended the league campaign in fifth place with 30 points from their 16 games,[15] and they won the NYSL Knock-out Cup, beating AFC Kempston Rovers 4–1 in the final held at Corby Town's Steel Park.[16] Throughout the season the club established partnerships with other local clubs which saw money donated to the club, the establishment of a youth development programme, and the acquirement of a playing field and home ground until the end of the 2012–13 season.[17][18]

Ahead of 2012–13, Mark Starmer was given the First Team Manager post,[19] with ex-Rushden & Diamonds player Andy Peaks appointed as his assistant.[20] The senior team were registered to play in the United Counties Football League Division One, playing its home games at the Dog and Duck, home of Wellingborough Town. A Women's team and a series of Youth teams were also established.[21][22]

Senior football

[edit]

The senior side's first match was a 3–0 victory in a friendly against Crawley Green on 17 July 2012. Striker Peter Okechukwu scored the senior team's first goal, with a crowd of approximately 100 watching the match.[23] A month later, AFC Rushden & Diamonds beat Thrapston Town 3–0 in their first ever competitive senior match, with goals from Alfie Taylor (2) and Jack Wisniewski in front of 784 supporters.[24] The club had mixed form throughout the season, but finished the league in second place, securing promotion to the United Counties League Premier in their first senior season.[25] The club also took part in the FA Vase, United Counties League Knockout Cup and the Northants FA Les Underwood Junior Cup.[25][26][27]

In 2013-14 the club entered the FA Cup for the first time. Starting in the competition's Extra Preliminary, they beat London Colney, Northwood, Cockfosters, and Cambridge City to reach the Third Qualifying Round, where they were defeated 3–1 away to Conference South side Dover Athletic.[28] In the league, Rushden & Diamonds finished third.

Diamonds spent most of 2014-15 near the top of the table and, in anticipation, applied for promotion. In a season that included a 6-game winning streak, and 9–0 and 7–0 wins against Desborough Town and landlords Wellingborough Town, respectively, the club secured the United Counties League Premier Division title, their first ever honour, and promotion to the Southern League Division One Central. Diamonds made it a double by beating Potton United 3–0 in the final of the UCL Knockout-Cup.[29]

Ahead of the 2015–16 season the club were informed by the Southern Football League that they must use the previously retired number 1 - retired in honour of Dale Roberts[30][31] - despite the United Counties League and the Football Association having given the club prior permission. A petition was set up by supporters, and goalkeeper Matt Finlay wore 17 on his shirt in the first game of the season. Further appeals from the club eventually succeeded and the decision was overturned.[32] Away from this, the club's promotion meant that they competed in the FA Trophy for the first time. In the FA Cup, Diamonds reached the Fourth Qualifying Round for the first time, where they lost 1–0 in replay against Barwell.[33] After spending some time at the top of the table, in the league the club finished fifth, qualifying for the play-offs. After beating Royston Town in the semi-final they lost 2–1 in extra time to St Ives Town in the final.[34] The season ended with a 2–1 victory in the Hillier Senior Cup Final against old rivals Kettering Town.[33]

Diamonds were transferred to the Northern Premier League Division One South in 2016–17, where they again finished fifth. They qualified once more for the play-offs,[35] but they were defeated 1–0 by Witton Albion in the semi-final.[36] The FA transferred the club once again, this time back to the Southern League Division One Central.[37]

They had initially planned to start the 2017–18 season playing their home games at Kempston Rovers' ground, ahead of a proposed move to Hayden Road in Rushden, however necessary works to Hayden Road were completed before the season start.[37]

On 28 April 2018 Diamonds were promoted to Step 3 at the third time of asking, finishing second behind Beaconsfield Town; their third promotion in six seasons.[38]

The 2018–19 season saw Diamonds finishing 9th on 61 points, 33 off rivals and league winners Kettering Town.[39]

The 2019–20 season was Diamonds' second at Step 3 and contained notable results such as a 5–1 victory over Leiston and an 8–2 defeat to Bromsgrove Sporting. The season saw short cup runs in both the FA Trophy and the FA Cup, being defeated by South Shields and Enfield Town respectively. When the season was ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Diamonds were placed 11th in a very tight league, where they were just 4 points away from the playoff places.[40] The 2022–23 season saw the club relegated from step 3 in their fifth season at the level, a 0–0 draw on 25 March confirming their fate with seven matches remaining.[41]

Ground

[edit]

The club's initial 2011–12 season was played in the Northants Senior Youth League, and games were played at Kiln Park, Raunds, the home of Raunds Town F.C.

The club's first senior season was in 2012–13, played at the Dog and Duck ground in Wellingborough. This arrangement remained for some years.

On 21 July 2016, Diamonds released a joint-statement with Wellingborough Town, confirming that the Dog and Duck landlord Alper Ozdogan had invoked a clause in Wellingborough's lease agreement, forcing them to leave the ground by 31 May 2017. This effectively brought an end to the current ground share agreement on that date. Diamonds confirmed that they would be seeking an alternative ground share agreement in the local area.[42]

After a vote amongst the club's members, it was agreed to groundshare with Rushden & Higham United at Hayden Road in Rushden, starting from the 2017–18 season and until a new ground would be completed.

In November 2018, an agreement with the Duchy of Lancaster resulted in land being set aside along the B645 Chelveston Road for the construction of facilities to serve the club. This 30-year lease also includes the possibility of expansion into neighbouring areas should the opportunity arise.[43]

As of the 2019–20 season, the club still groundshares with Rushden & Higham United.

Club badge

[edit]

The club badge was voted on by the fans from three possible designs and was unveiled on 9 August 2011 at a fans forum at Kiln Park. It draws heavily upon the original Rushden and Diamonds, Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds crests. The "Rampant Lion", Crosskeys of Saint Peter's Church, blue diamonds and red stripes all reflect this inspiration.[44]

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]
As of 22nd September 2024[45]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
GK England ENG Ewan Evans
GK England ENG Ben Heath
DF England ENG Tarik Dallas
DF England ENG Aaron Dickens
DF England ENG Charlie Green
DF England ENG Ryan Hughes
DF England ENG Bleu McNeil
DF England ENG Tejan Thomas
DF England ENG Jarvis Wilson
MF England ENG Fraser Corden
MF England ENG Calvin Green
No. Pos. Nation Player
MF England ENG Joe Malkin
MF England ENG Pierre Ngolo
MF England ENG Carter Price
MF England ENG Cairo Taylor
MF England ENG Aidan Webster
MF England ENG John McHugh
FW England ENG Jamal Adams
FW England ENG Levon Stewart
FW England ENG Ethan Johnston
FW England ENG Isaac Redding

The Northern Premier League does not use a squad numbering system.

Retired numbers

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK England ENG Dale Robertsposthumous honour.

Player records

[edit]

(as of 3 May 2023)
Records for league and all cups, appearance totals are starting + substitute
Shown are the top 10 players in each category.
Source: 2022-23 Player and Match Stats

Appearances:

# Player Career Appearances
1 Sam Brown 2012 - 2020 331
2 Tom Lorraine 2014–2021 307
3 Liam Dolman 2014–2022 302
4 Brad Harris 2013 - 2018 213
5 Jack Ashton 2014–2020 170
6 Matt Finlay 2014 - 2017 161
7 Ben Farrell 2016–2021 150
8 Ben Heath 2016–2019 148
9 Richard Bunting 2013 - 2018 145
10 Matt Gearing 2012 - 2015 115

Goals:

# Player Career Appearances Goals Goals per game ratio
1 Tom Lorraine 2014 – 2020 307 100 0.33
2 Alfie Taylor 2012 - 2014 77 50 0.65
3 Liam Dolman 2014 – 2021 302 50 0.17
4 Nabil Shariff 2016 - 2020 (2 spells) 91 44 0.48
=5 Fazel Koriya 2013 - 2017 (2 spells) 86 38 0.44
=5 Matt Gearing 2012 - 2015 115 38 0.33
6 Ben Farrell 2016–2021 150 37 0.25
7 Russ Dunkley 2013 - 2015 74 35 0.47
9 Jake Newman 2012 - 2016 (2 spells) 57 27 0.47
10 Scott Joseph 2014 - 2015 48 24 0.50

Sam Brown and Alfie Taylor played in the club's first Senior competitive game, on 2012-08-18

Managers

[edit]
Name Nationality From To M W D L Win %
Michael Harriman  England 2023 2024 19 4 3 12 21.0%
Chris Nunn  England 2022 2023 34 5 4 25 14.7%
Richard Maxwell  England 2022 2022 6 2 1 3 33.3%
Andy Burgess  England 2022 2022 23 4 7 12 17.4%
Andy Peaks  England 2014[46] 2022 211 129 36 46 60.8%
Mark Starmer  England 2011[47][46] 2014 89 63 12 14 70.7%
  • Matches include league, league cup, county cup, FA Vase and FA Cup matches.

Club officials

[edit]

Board

[edit]
  • Chair: Rob Usher
  • Vice-chair & Commercial Director: Alex Raspin
  • Club Secretary: Nikki Roberts
  • Society Secretary: Brett Abbott
  • Director: David Kalicki
  • Director: Lorraine Brown
  • Director: Marc Jarrett

Club

[edit]
  • Community Football: Mark Swindells
  • Club Chaplain: Rev. Alan Jenkins
  • Turnstile Manager: Matt Hockridge

Coaching and medical staff

[edit]
  • Manager: Michael Harriman
  • Assistant Manager: Dan Porter
  • Coach: Ryan Seaman
  • Physiotherapist: Yazmin Corbett
  • Youth Development Phase Lead 11–16: Ryan Seaman
  • Foundation Development Phase Lead 6–10: Mark Rust
  • Moulton College Education Scholarship:

Kit

[edit]
Date Manufacturer Shirt Sponsor
2011–12 Joma Playfish, R&D Travel
2012–14 Tempest[48] EA Sports
2014–17 Macron Hevey Building Supplies, Fuelsell (back)[49]
2017–20 Macron Auto Windscreens, Fuelsell (back)[49]
2020–22 Macron Mind Rushden, Shield Labour Solutions, Fuelsell (back)
2022 Macron Sports, Concerts & Events, PKS Training, Fuelsell (back)[49]
2022-24 Macron Rebel Energy, Fuelsell (back)[49]

Rivalries

[edit]

Most rivalries were formed when the supporters still followed the original club, however the rivalries commenced once fans started following the phoenix club. Although this means that whereas local rivalries with league clubs such as Luton Town, Peterborough United and even Northampton Town have died down, the rivalry with Kettering Town has been re-ignited, and new rivalries such as with Wellingborough Town have been developed.

Kettering Town

[edit]

Rushden's main rivals are nearby Kettering Town. Rushden & Diamonds F.C and Kettering Town played seventeen competitive games together, 16 in the Conference National and one in the FA Cup. The first competitive game between the sides was played out on 8 March 1997, with Rushden running out comfortable 5–1 winners at Rockingham Road.[50] In the early years, derby games between the two would regularly attract crowds in excess of 4,500. The clubs remained in the same division for five seasons before, in 2001, Rushden gained promotion to the Football League, while Kettering were relegated that same season from the Conference. After a seven-year gap, in 2008–09 the teams again found themselves in the same division, after Rushden suffered two quickfire relegations and Kettering gained promotion from the Conference North.

In the 16 league games contested and over 1,000 minutes of league football played between the two sides, Kettering won just twice, while Rushden recorded nine victories. In the same number of games, Rushden scored 25 goals to the Poppies' eight. On 3 January 2011 Kettering ended an 11-year wait for a win over the Diamonds, beating Rushden for only the second time in their history with a 2–1 triumph at Nene Park.[51] Throughout the history of the fixture, Rushden & Diamonds maintained an impressive record of having never lost a competitive away match against Kettering Town.[52]

The rivalry resumed on 6 May 2016, when AFC Rushden & Diamonds met Kettering in the NFA Hillier Senior Cup final, which Diamonds won 2–1 at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium.[53]

Northampton Town

[edit]

The rivalry between the Diamonds and Northampton Town occurred between 2004 and 06, when the two clubs played in League Two together for two seasons. Eight games were played between the sides – four competitive league games and four pre-season cup games. The Diamonds recorded a sole league victory over Northampton, a 3–2 win at Nene Park during the 2004–2005 season thanks to a last minute goal from Billy Sharp.[54] They also beat their rivals in two pre-season Maunsell Cup games. After the Diamonds' relegation out of the Football League this rivalry diminished in relevance, especially as this relegation led to the re-ignition of the Rushden-Kettering rivalry.

Other local rivals

[edit]

Past rivalries from the original club's younger years were also enjoyed with Kidderminster Harriers, Cheltenham Town and Yeovil Town, with the three clubs often competing against each other in their various play-off and championship pushes. Rushden also enjoyed rivalries with various other clubs throughout their history. Peterborough United and Luton Town were seen as small rivals during the club's Football League days, due to the relative geographical proximity of the three clubs. Following the original Diamonds' relegation into the Conference, however (despite Luton's presence there also) these rivalries diminished considerably. As the new entity, a ground-share with Wellingborough Town means that a rivalry between the two tenants has ensued in Wellingborough.

Season history

[edit]

Updated 7th Sept 2024. * indicates position/round not final.

Season
League Contested Level
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
League Position
Avg. Home
Attendance
FA Cup
FA Vase
FA Trophy
League Cup
Hillier Cup
2011-12 Northants Senior Youth League[55] (Youth) 16 9 4 3 29 21 +8 30 5th of 9 295 n/a n/a n/a Won n/a
2012-13 United Counties League Division One[6] 10 36 28 6 2 96 31 +65 90 2nd of 19 (P) 544 n/a 3rd Round n/a 1st Round n/a
2013-14 United Counties League Premier Division 9 36 26 3 7 88 35 +53 81 3rd of 19 470 3Q 4th Round n/a 1st Round 1st Round
2014-15 United Counties League Premier Division 9 40 31 6 3 121 32 +89 99 1st of 21 (C)(P) 550 1Q 2nd Round n/a Won 1st Round
2015-16 Southern League Division One Central 8 42 23 8 11 81 44 +37 77 5th of 22 457 4Q n/a PR 1st Round Won
2016-17 Northern Premier League Division One South 8 42 20 11 11 73 52 +21 71 5th of 22 466 3Q n/a 2Q Quarter-Final 1st Round
2017-18 Southern League Division One East 8 42 27 10 5 92 25 +67 91 2nd of 22 (P) 501 2Q n/a PR 3rd Round Semi-final
2018-19 Southern League Premier Division Central 7 42 15 16 11 60 49 +11 61 9th of 22 562 1Q n/a 2Q 1st Round Won[56]
2019-20 Southern League Premier Division Central 7 26 13 7 6 45 40 +5 46 7th of 22 458 1Q n/a 2Q 3rd Round Quarter-Final
2020-21 [57] Southern League Premier Division Central 7 7 2 3 2 14 11 +3 9 13th of 22 377 1Q n/a 1R n/a n/a
2021-22 Southern League Premier Division Central 7 38 19 8 11 55 45 +10 65 5th of 21 373 1Q n/a 3Q 1st Round Final
2022-23 Southern League Premier Division Central 7 42 8 7 27 40 87 -47 31 21st of 22 (R) 343 1Q n/a 3Q 1st Round 1R (dq)
2023-24 Northern Premier League Division One Midlands 8 38 9 5 24 38 78 -40 32 19th of 20 (Reprieved) 413 Preliminary Round n/a 1Q n/a Won
2024-25 Northern Premier League Division One Midlands 8 5 2 1 2 8 10 -2 7 11th of 22* 408* Preliminary Round n/a 1Q n/a* 2R*
  • Most Goals in a Season: 28, Alfie Taylor, 2013–14[58]
  • Highest Home Cup Attendance: 1,162 vs Barwell, FA Cup 4QR Replay, 27 October 2015[59]
  • Highest Home League Attendance: 1,165 vs Kettering Town, Southern League Premier Central, 22 April 2019[60]
  • Highest Away Attendance: 2,147 vs Kettering Town, Southern League Premier Central, 1 January 2019[61]
  • Longest Unbeaten League Run: 28 matches, 13 January 2015 - 31 October 2015[62]
  • Largest Competitive Win:
  • 9-0 vs Buckingham Town, United Counties League Division One, 15 December 2012[63]
  • 9-0 vs Desborough Town, United Counties League Premier Division, 21 February 2015[64]
  • Largest Competitive Defeat: 8–2 vs Bromsgrove Sporting, Southern League Premier League Central, 5 October 2019[65]

Honours

[edit]

Senior

[edit]

Academy U23s

[edit]
  • The Chris Ruff Trophy
    • Winners: 2022-23[69]

Academy U21s

[edit]

Academy U18s

[edit]
  • Northants Football Association David Joyce Cup Winners: 2017–18[16]
  • Northants Senior Youth League Western Division Champions: 2012–13
  • Northants Senior Youth League Read-Flex Vase Winners: 2012–13[71]
  • Northants Senior Youth League Knock-Out Cup Winners: 2011–12[16]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Home Ground Update". 8 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Rushden expelled from Conference". BBC Sport. 11 June 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Sadness as the Diamonds dream finally dies". Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph. 5 July 2011. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  4. ^ "Rushden & Diamonds enter administration". BBC Sport. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  5. ^ "Rushden & Diamonds fans plan to set up 'phoenix' club". BBC Sport. 8 July 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  6. ^ a b "FA National Leagues Committee Decision". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  7. ^ "Rushden and Diamonds expelled from the Conference for finanical [sic] reasons". The Daily Telegraph. London. 11 June 2011.
  8. ^ "BBC Sport – Rushden & Diamonds enter administration". Bbc.co.uk. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  9. ^ "Rushden fail in Southern Prem bid". BBC News. 7 July 2011.
  10. ^ "www.saverdfc.com". saverdfc.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  11. ^ "Starmer lands AFC Diamonds role". BBC News. 18 July 2011.
  12. ^ "Northants Senior Youth League – News". Northantssenioryouthleague.pitchero.com. Archived from the original on 28 March 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  13. ^ "www.saverdfc.com". saverdfc.com. Archived from the original on 21 October 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  14. ^ "Dale Roberts Memorial Cup AFC R & D vs Cleveland Juniors FC". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  15. ^ "Northants Senior Youth League Western Division Table". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  16. ^ a b c "CHAMPIONS! AFC Kempston Rovers 1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 4". Afcdiamonds.com. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  17. ^ "AFC R&D announce full youth set up". Afcdiamonds.com. 17 January 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  18. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds to ground share with Wellingborough Town FC". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  19. ^ "Mark Starmer announced as First Team Manager". Afcdiamonds.com. 18 July 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  20. ^ "Andy Peaks announced as First Team Assistant Manager". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  21. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds announce Ladies Team". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  22. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds Academy Trials". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  23. ^ "Crawley Green 0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3".
  24. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3 Thrapston Town 0".
  25. ^ a b "2012/13 Senior Fixtures and Results".
  26. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds 5 Wellingborough Whitworth 3".
  27. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1 Wellingborough Whitworth 3".
  28. ^ "Dover Athletic 3 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1".
  29. ^ "2014/15 Senior Fixtures and Results".
  30. ^ "Dale Roberts: AFC Rushden & Diamonds 'not allowed tribute'". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  31. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds No 1 Shirt". Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  32. ^ "Rushden successful in Roberts appeal". BBC Sport.
  33. ^ a b "2015/16 Senior Fixtures and Results".
  34. ^ "St Ives Town 2–1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds".
  35. ^ Dunham, Jon (23 April 2017). "Peaks' delight as Diamonds secure a play-off place". Northamptonshire Telegraph. Archived from the original on 24 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  36. ^ Dunham, Jon (26 April 2017). "Peaks devastated after Diamonds' play-off heartbreak". Northamptonshire Telegraph. Archived from the original on 24 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  37. ^ a b "Diamonds head south again, Steelmen go north and Poppies stay put". Northamptonshire Telegraph. 15 May 2017. Archived from the original on 24 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  38. ^ "Southern League - Central Division | League Table | Football Web Pages". www.footballwebpages.co.uk.
  39. ^ https://www.betvictorsouthern.co.uk/teams/Premier%20Central/2018/2019&_self[permanent dead link]
  40. ^ "2019/20 Player and Match Stats".
  41. ^ "Saturday's Premier Division One Central Round-Up". southern-football-league.co.uk. 25 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  42. ^ http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/diamonds-and-doughboys-facing-eviction-from-dog-duck-[permanent dead link]
  43. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds Agree Heads of Terms for New Home".
  44. ^ "rushden diamonds fc". footballcrests.com. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  45. ^ a b "Club Statement".
  46. ^ Managed the U18 team during his first season, until a senior team was formed in 2012. Statistics only include first team matches.
  47. ^ "Official Shirt Sponsor & Manufacturer Announced".
  48. ^ a b c d "New First Team Shirts Available to Order".
  49. ^ "Kettering Town 1 Rushden & Diamonds 5". 8 March 1997.
  50. ^ "Rushden & Diamonds 1 Kettering Town 2". 3 January 2011.
  51. ^ "Rushden & Diamonds Match History". 4 August 2012.
  52. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds 2–1 Kettering Town".
  53. ^ "Rushden and Diamonds 3 Northampton Town 2". 12 March 2005.
  54. ^ "Northants Senior Youth League – League Tables". Northantssenioryouthleague.pitchero.com. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  55. ^ Diamonds given trophy after Brackley stripped of Senior Cup victory, Northamptonshire Telegraph, 17 April 2019
  56. ^ The 2020-21 season was suspended due to Covid-19 situation
  57. ^ "Player Stats and Match details 2013/14".
  58. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds 0–1 Barwell FC".
  59. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds 0–1 Kettering Town".
  60. ^ "Kettering Town 2–1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds".
  61. ^ "Godalming Town 1–0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds".
  62. ^ "Buckingham Town 0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 9". 23 December 2023.
  63. ^ "Desborough Town 0 – AFC Rushden & Diamonds 9". 23 December 2023.
  64. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds 2–8 Bromsgrove Sporting". 23 December 2023.
  65. ^ "Brackley Town Stripped of Hillier Senior Cup Title".
  66. ^ "Keeper Heath is the Diamonds cup final hero as Poppies pay the penalty".
  67. ^ "Buckingham Town 1 v AFC Rushden & Diamonds XI 3". Afcdiamonds.com. 25 July 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  68. ^ https://twitter.com/AFCRD23/status/1550406643749363712. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  69. ^ "Midland Football League". fulltime-league.thefa.com. 7 March 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  70. ^ "Yaxley U18 4 v AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18 2". Afcdiamonds.com. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
[edit]

52°17′28.45″N 0°35′14.33″W / 52.2912361°N 0.5873139°W / 52.2912361; -0.5873139