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AFC Rushden & Diamonds

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AFC Rushden & Diamonds
Nickname(s)The Diamonds
Founded2011
GroundDog & Duck
London Road
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 2DP[1]
ChairmanRalph Burditt
ManagerMark Starmer
LeagueUnited Counties League Division One[2]
WebsiteClub website

AFC Rushden & Diamonds is an English football club based in Northamptonshire. They played their opening season at Kiln Park, the home of Raunds Town and are now sharing the Dog & Duck ground with Wellingborough Town for their first senior season. The club was formed in July 2011 by supporters after Rushden & Diamonds were expelled from the Football Conference and subsequently liquidated.[3][4][5] At an open meeting chaired by a supporters group called SaveRDFC, a mandate was agreed upon to create a phoenix club,[4][6] 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 will play in the United Counties Football League Division One for the 2012–13 season.[2]

History

Background

Main article: Rushden & Diamonds F.C.

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

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] On 18 July 2011 the club announced the appointment of former Rushden & Diamonds head of youth development Mark Starmer as their first manager, initially taking control of the U18s side.[11] On 22 July 2011, AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18's were accepted into the Northants Senior Youth League for the 2011–12 season.[12]

2011–12 season

With no senior side registered in time for the 2011–12 season, the club focused solely on its U18s side. AFC R&D played their first official match in 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, running out comfortable 3–0 winners against Daventry Town in the Northants Senior Youth League, watched by 467 supporters. On 9 October 2011, the club won its first ever competitive cup match, winning 7–0 over Wellingborough Vicarage Farm in the NFA U18's Cup.[15]

Throughout the season much was done to integrate AFC R&D into the local footballing community. Deals were struck with St Neots Town, South Rushden Junior Football Club, Raunds Town and Wellingborough Town. Between them, these local partnerships 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.[16][17] On 24 March 2012, Mark Starmer was announced as First Team Manager for the 2012–13 season.[18] The club ended the league campaign in a respectable mid-table position, finishing in fifth place with 30 points from their 16 games.[19]

The first season of existence for AFC Rushden & Diamonds also ended in cup success, winning the NSYL Knock-Out Cup at Steel Park, the home of Corby Town. In the final Diamonds beat AFC Kempston Rovers 4–1, securing their first piece of silverware ahead of a crowd of 479.[20] Ex-Rushden & Diamonds player Andy Peaks was appointed as First Team Assistant Manager on 5 May 2012.[21]

2012–13 season

A senior side was registered to play in the United Counties Football League Division One for the 2012–13 season, playing its home games at the Dog and Duck, home of Wellingborough Town. There is also a ladies team,[22] and three new academy sides competing in the Junior Premier League.[23]

Friendlies

The senior side's first match was to be played against Wellingborough Town but was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch. Instead, the senior team's first game was a 3–0 victory in a friendly against Crawley Green, a Spartan South Division One (level 10) team, on 17 July 2012. Striker Peter Okechukwu scored the senior team's first goal, with a crowd of approximately 100 watching the match.[24] The following game, a friendly against Southern Football League Premier Division team (level 7) St Neots Town ended in a 3–3 draw.[25]

League matches

On 18 August 2012, 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.[26] The team were then held to an unexpected 1–1 draw by league rivals Wootton Blue Cross, before victories away at Harrowby United, Olney Town and Rothwell Corinthians saw them go into October in second place in the league table. However, October was a poor month for Diamonds in the league with a 4–1 loss to promotion rivals Eynesbury Rovers preceding a surprise 1–1 home draw with bottom side Burton Park Wanderers. November saw a return to form, with two home league wins, before December's solitary league fixture saw the Diamonds win 9–0 at struggling Buckingham Town before bad weather hit the football calendar with no further football played until January. New Year's Day saw a hard-fought victory over Northampton Spencer before, another massive dent in the Diamonds' promotion hopes was delivered with a 5–1 drubbing away to Oadby Town. The final two games played in January were both good home wins, which saw the team enter February with a record of 6 league wins in the last 7 games. A 100% win record was maintained during the month of February, with the club winning every one of their six games, whilst conceding just one goal.[27]

Cup matches

For the 2012–13 season, the Diamonds were entered into three cup competitions: The FA Vase, The United Counties League Knockout Cup and the Northants FA Les Underwood Junior Cup. The FA Vase draw saw AFC R&D get a bye in the First Qualifying round before facing Fakenham Town in the Second Qualifying Round, running out 4–1 winners thanks to goals from Alfie Taylor (2), Jake Newman and Jack Wisniewski. Further victories over Yaxley and Basford United saw the club reach the third round with an away tie at Ashington. However, an injury time goal from the home side secured a 2–1 scoreline to knock the Diamonds out.[27] In the UCL KO Cup, The Preliminary Round pitted the club against neighbours Wellingborough Whitworth, a 5–3 after extra-time victory taking AFC R&D through to a first round match-up with ground-share partners Wellingborough Town,[28] with Diamonds losing 3–4 on penalties following a 2–2 draw after extra-time. In the Les Underwood Junior Cup First Round, manager Mark Starmer fielded a side containing Under 18 and fringe first team players and they battled bravely against a near full-strength Wellingborough Whitworth losing out 1–3 after extra-time in the club's first ever senior competitive defeat.[29]

Club badge

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.[30][31] 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.[32]

Squads

Senior team

Correct as of 28 January 2013[33] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF England ENG Joe Merrill
3 DF England ENG Sam Brown
4 MF England ENG Elliot Dent
5 DF England ENG Chris Hope
6 MF England ENG Matt Gearing
7 MF Nigeria NGA Peter Okechukwu
8 MF England ENG Séan McBride
9 FW England ENG Alfie Taylor
10 FW England ENG Deven Elwood
11 MF England ENG Jack Wisniewski
12 FW England ENG Ben Morgan
No. Pos. Nation Player
13 GK England ENG Ashley Foulger
14 MF England ENG George Cox
15 FW England ENG Jake Newman
16 DF England ENG Alex Deakin
17 GK Nigeria NGA Quincy Shorunmu
18 DF England ENG Jake Gillingwater
19 MF England ENG Louis Smith
20 MF England ENG Jamie Gilsenan
21 MF England ENG Lance Allen
22 MF England ENG Brad Harris
23 MF England ENG Aaron King
51 GK England ENG James Broadbent

Out on loan

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
52 DF England ENG Jamie O'Grady (dual registration with Winslow United)
54 MF England ENG Matthew Brady (dual registration with Winslow United)
55 MF England ENG Ashley Meeks (dual registration with Roade)

Retired numbers

Main article: Retired numbers in association football

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 Roberts – posthumous honour.

Managers

Name Nationality From To P W L D Win %[34] Notes
Mark Starmer  England 2011 Present 29 22 5 2 75.86%

Club officials

  • Chairman: Ralph Burditt
  • Vice chairman: Jon Ward
  • Club Secretary: Dave Albon
  • Manager: Mark Starmer
  • Assistant Manager: Andy Peaks
  • First Team Coach: Scott Carlin
  • Under 18s Manager: Mark Walsh
  • First Team Coach/Under 18 Assistant Manager: Dean Thomas
  • Head of Academy: Gareth Ivett
  • Physiotherapist: Colin Hodsden
  • Club Chaplain: Canon Roger Knight
  • Fans Chaplain: Rev Alan Jenkins

Kit

Date Manufacturer Shirt Sponsor
2011–12 Joma Playfish

R&D Travel

2012– Tempest[35] EA Sports

League history

Season
 League Contested Level
 Pld
 W
 D
 L
 GF
 GA
 GD
 Pts
 League Position
 Avg. Home
Attendance
 FA Cup
 FA Vase
 Leading scorer
2011–12 Northants Senior Youth League[36] (Youth) 16 9 04 03 29 21 0+8 030 5th of 9
 292 n/a n/a James Harrison (8)[37]
2012–13 United Counties League Division One[2] 10 36 28 6 2 96 31 +65 90 2nd of 19
Promoted		 565 n/a 3rd Round
Proper		 Jake Newman (25)
2013–14 United Counties League Premier Division [2] 9

Honours

Youth

  • Northants Senior Youth League Knockout Cup Winners: 2012 [20]

See also

References

  1. ^ "HeraldandPost | News | Wellingborough-and-Rushden-News | Football teams unite to share facilities". Northampton-news-hp.co.uk. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d "FA National Leagues Committee Decision". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  3. ^ "Rushden expelled from Conference". BBC Sport. 11 June 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  4. ^ a b "Sadness as the Diamonds dream finally dies". Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph. 5 July 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  5. ^ "Rushden & Diamonds enter administration". BBC Sport. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  6. ^ "Rushden & Diamonds fans plan to set up 'phoenix' club". BBC Sport. 8 July 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  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". www.saverdfc.com. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  11. ^ "Starmer lands AFC Diamonds role". BBC News. 18 July 2011.
  12. ^ "Northants Senior Youth League – News". Northantssenioryouthleague.pitchero.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  13. ^ "www.saverdfc.com". www.saverdfc.com. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  14. ^ "Dale Roberts Memorial Cup AFC R & D vs Cleveland Juniors FC". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  15. ^ "2011–12 fixtures and results grid". Afcdiamonds.com. 17 January 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  16. ^ "AFC R&D announce full youth set up". Afcdiamonds.com. 17 January 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  17. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds to ground share with Wellingborough Town FC". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  18. ^ "Mark Starmer announced as First Team Manager". Afcdiamonds.com. 18 July 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  19. ^ "Northants Senior Youth League Western Division Table". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  20. ^ a b "CHAMPIONS! AFC Kempston Rovers 1 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 4". Afcdiamonds.com. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  21. ^ "Andy Peaks announced as First Team Assistant Manager". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  22. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds announce Ladies Team". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  23. ^ "AFC Rushden & Diamonds Academy Trials". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.. An agreement with South Rushden Junior Football Club will see over twenty teams playing under the AFC Rushden & Diamonds banner
  24. ^ Crawley Green 0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3
  25. ^ St Neots Town 3 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3.
  26. ^ http://www.afcdiamonds.com/afc-rushden-diamonds-3-thrapston-town-0
  27. ^ a b http://www.afcdiamonds.com/201213-senior-fixtures-and-results
  28. ^ http://www.afcdiamonds.com/afc-rushden-diamonds-5-wellingborough-whitworth-3/
  29. ^ http://www.afcdiamonds.com/afc-rushden-diamonds-1-wellingborough-whitworth-3
  30. ^ "afc badge poll closes 6 pm aug 6th". saverdfc.com. Retrieved 5 August 2011.
  31. ^ "fans forum summary 6th august". saverdfc.com. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
  32. ^ "rushden diamonds fc". footballcrests.com. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  33. ^ "2012 Player Profiles". Afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  34. ^ Win% is rounded to a whole number.
  35. ^ http://www.afcdiamonds.com/shirt-sponsor-manufacturer-announced
  36. ^ "Northants Senior Youth League – League Tables". Northantssenioryouthleague.pitchero.com. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  37. ^ "Player Profiles". Afcdiamonds.com. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2012.

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