AFC Rushden & Diamonds
Encyclopedia
AFC Rushden & Diamonds is an English football club based in Northamptonshire
. They currently play at Kiln Park, the home of Raunds Town. The club was formed in July 2011 by supporters after Rushden & Diamonds
were expelled from the Football Conference
and subsequently liquidated. At an open meeting chaired by a supporters group called SaveRDFC, a mandate was agreed upon to create a phoenix club
, fully owned and controlled by its supporters. A team was created and accepted into the Northants Senior Youth League for the 2011–12 season
with the intention of entering a senior team into the English football league system
for the 2012–13 campaign.
was formed on 21 April 1992 by a merger of Irthlingborough Diamonds
and Rushden Town
after Max Griggs
, current owner of the Dr. Martens
shoe company, purchased both clubs. Rushden climbed the English non-League tier system and reached the Football Conference
after only four years as a club. It then took club another five years until finally being promoted to the Football League after winning the Conference National
in 2001. Rushden had a remarkable first season in their new surroundings, narrowly losing out on promotion for a second successive year, losing 3–1 to Cheltenham Town in the Division Three Play-Off Final, but achieved promotion to the Second Division the following year, beating Hartlepool United
to the league title on the final day of the season. After a difficult season in 2003–04, the club were relegated back to Division Three after finishing in 22nd place. The club narrowly avoided relegation the following campaign, and finished just one place above the drop-zone. The Rushden & Diamonds Supporters Trust took over the running of the club in June 2005 from Max Griggs
. A nightmare 2005/2006 season led to a bottom placed finish, as the Diamonds suffered relegation from the Football League after five years.
Back in the Football Conference
, the club was plagued by problems off the pitch, with Keith Cousins taking over as chairman in 2006, and resigning in 2011, with eight managers passing through the club within the space of just five years. The club's future started looking more positive with the appointment of former Tottenham Hotspur
defender Justin Edinburgh
, Rushden just missing out on promotion in the 2009–10 season, after suffering a 3–1 defeat on aggregate at the hands of eventual Play-Off winners Oxford United
. The 2010–11 season proved to be a disaster for Rushden & Diamonds, after suffering a five-point deduction at the end of the season for providing inaccurate information in their quarterly financial reports. They eventually finished in 13th place, were then expelled from the league and finally placed into administration. However, the season was overshadowed by the tragic and untimely death of England C and first choice goalkeeper Dale Roberts
in December 2010 at the age of just 24.
, and subsequently went on to fail to secure a place in the Southern League Premier Division. AFC R&D intend to form a youth team to compete in the Northants Senior Youth League for the 2011–12 with the expectation to field a senior side the following year, as they missed the deadline for senior league registrations for the 2011–12 season. 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
. On 18 July 2011 the club announced the appointment of former Rushden & Diamonds head of youth development Mark Starmer as their first manager. On 22 July 2011, AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18's were accepted into the Northants Senior Youth League for the 2011–12 season.
in a friendly match played on 6 August 2011, attended by 350 supporters. 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. The Diamonds played their first competitive Northants Senior Youth League game on 25 August 2011, running out comfortable 3–0 winners against Daventry Town
, in front of 467 supporters. The club continued its good start to the season, winning two and drawing two of the next four games. In spite of a 4–0 reverse away to Northampton ON Chenecks for a first defeat, AFC R&D remained top of the league with 11 points from six games. 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. The scoreline was reciprocated in the following league game, as Diamonds were on the wrong end of a 7-0 thrashing away to Cogenhoe United. Victories against Duston Dynamo Youth in the NFA Cup 2nd Round (2-1) and Northampton Spencer
in the league (3-2) followed, before Cogenhoe completed a league double over Rushden with a 1-0 win at Kiln Park.
It was unveiled on 9 August 2011, at a fans forum at Kiln Park.
>
Record League Victory 3–0 vs Daventry Town
, Northants Senior Youth League, 25 August 2011
Record Cup Victory 7–0 vs Wellingborough Vicarage Farm, NFA U18's Cup First Round, 9 October 2011
Most League Points 15, Northants Senior Youth League 2011–12
Most League Goals 10, Northants Senior Youth League 2011–12
Highest Scorer in One Season Lewi Williams, 5, 2011–12
All Time Top Scorer Lewi Williams, 5, 2011–12
All Time Most Appearances Lewi Williams & Ashley Foulger, 12, 2011/12
Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire is a landlocked county in the English East Midlands, with a population of 629,676 as at the 2001 census. It has boundaries with the ceremonial counties of Warwickshire to the west, Leicestershire and Rutland to the north, Cambridgeshire to the east, Bedfordshire to the south-east,...
. They currently play at Kiln Park, the home of Raunds Town. The club was formed in July 2011 by supporters after Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
were expelled from the Football Conference
Football Conference
The Football Conference is a football league in England which consists of three divisions called Conference National, Conference North, and Conference South. Some Football Conference clubs are fully professional, such as Luton Town, but most of them are semi-professional...
and subsequently liquidated. At an open meeting chaired by a supporters group called SaveRDFC, a mandate was agreed upon to create a phoenix club
Phoenix club (association football)
The term phoenix club refers to a football club that is created following the demise of an existing club. It is usual for the phoenix club to be created and supported by the supporters of the club which has ended....
, fully owned and controlled by its supporters. A team was created and accepted into the Northants Senior Youth League for the 2011–12 season
2011–12 in English football
The 2011–12 season is the 132nd season of competitive football in England.The season began on 5 August 2011 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier starting eight days later, League Football Conference Starting one day before Premier League starts.The Championship, League One, and League Two...
with the intention of entering a senior team into the English football league system
English football league system
The English football league system, also known as the football pyramid, is a series of interconnected leagues for association football clubs in England, with six teams from Wales also competing...
for the 2012–13 campaign.
Background
Rushden & DiamondsRushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
was formed on 21 April 1992 by a merger of Irthlingborough Diamonds
Irthlingborough Diamonds F.C.
Irthlingborough Diamonds were a football club from Irthlingborough, England. Founded in 1946, in 1992 the club merged with Rushden Town to form Rushden & Diamonds, playing at Irthlingborough's Nene Park.-History:...
and Rushden Town
Rushden Town F.C.
Rushden Town F.C. was a football club from Rushden, England. Founded in 1889, the club merged with Irthlingborough Diamonds to form Rushden & Diamonds in 1992. Nicknamed "the Russians", the club played at Hayden Road.-History:...
after Max Griggs
Max Griggs
Max Griggs is the president of the R Griggs Group, current owner of the Dr. Martens shoe company, and one of largest shoe manufacturers in the United Kingdom. The company moved all factories etc...
, current owner of the Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens is a traditional British footwear brand, which also makes a range of accessories – shoe care products, clothing, luggage, etc. In addition to Dr. Martens, they are known as Doctor Martens, Doc Martens, Docs or DMs...
shoe company, purchased both clubs. Rushden climbed the English non-League tier system and reached the Football Conference
Football Conference
The Football Conference is a football league in England which consists of three divisions called Conference National, Conference North, and Conference South. Some Football Conference clubs are fully professional, such as Luton Town, but most of them are semi-professional...
after only four years as a club. It then took club another five years until finally being promoted to the Football League after winning the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
in 2001. Rushden had a remarkable first season in their new surroundings, narrowly losing out on promotion for a second successive year, losing 3–1 to Cheltenham Town in the Division Three Play-Off Final, but achieved promotion to the Second Division the following year, beating Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
to the league title on the final day of the season. After a difficult season in 2003–04, the club were relegated back to Division Three after finishing in 22nd place. The club narrowly avoided relegation the following campaign, and finished just one place above the drop-zone. The Rushden & Diamonds Supporters Trust took over the running of the club in June 2005 from Max Griggs
Max Griggs
Max Griggs is the president of the R Griggs Group, current owner of the Dr. Martens shoe company, and one of largest shoe manufacturers in the United Kingdom. The company moved all factories etc...
. A nightmare 2005/2006 season led to a bottom placed finish, as the Diamonds suffered relegation from the Football League after five years.
Back in the Football Conference
Football Conference
The Football Conference is a football league in England which consists of three divisions called Conference National, Conference North, and Conference South. Some Football Conference clubs are fully professional, such as Luton Town, but most of them are semi-professional...
, the club was plagued by problems off the pitch, with Keith Cousins taking over as chairman in 2006, and resigning in 2011, with eight managers passing through the club within the space of just five years. The club's future started looking more positive with the appointment of former Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
defender Justin Edinburgh
Justin Edinburgh
Justin Charles Edinburgh is an English professional football manager and former player. He is currently manager of . Nicknamed 'Musselburgh', he has previously played for, or managed, six other clubs.-Playing career:...
, Rushden just missing out on promotion in the 2009–10 season, after suffering a 3–1 defeat on aggregate at the hands of eventual Play-Off winners Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
. The 2010–11 season proved to be a disaster for Rushden & Diamonds, after suffering a five-point deduction at the end of the season for providing inaccurate information in their quarterly financial reports. They eventually finished in 13th place, were then expelled from the league and finally placed into administration. However, the season was overshadowed by the tragic and untimely death of England C and first choice goalkeeper Dale Roberts
Dale Roberts (footballer born 1986)
Dale Roberts was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper.Roberts started his career in his native North-East with the academy sides at Sunderland and Middlesbrough before he moved to Nottingham Forest. He failed to make Forest's first team and had loans spells with Eastwood Town and...
in December 2010 at the age of just 24.
Establishment
AFC Rushden & Diamonds was created in 2011 by Rushden & Diamonds fans as a 'phoenix' club after the old club was expelled from the Conference NationalConference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
, and subsequently went on to fail to secure a place in the Southern League Premier Division. AFC R&D intend to form a youth team to compete in the Northants Senior Youth League for the 2011–12 with the expectation to field a senior side the following year, as they missed the deadline for senior league registrations for the 2011–12 season. Following an open fans meeting, supporters voted to play their games for the 2011–12 season at Kiln Park, Raunds
Raunds
Raunds is a small market town in rural Northamptonshire, England. It has a population of 8,275 , is a civil parish, and is part of the East Northamptonshire district.- Geography :Raunds is situated 21 miles north-east of Northampton...
, the home of Raunds Town
Raunds Town F.C.
Raunds Town F.C. is a football club based at Raunds, Northamptonshire, England.-History:Raunds Town was founded in 1946. There had been other teams with "Raunds" in the title as long ago as 1896-97, but at a meeting in the town's Temperance Hall in May 1946 a new amalgamated club was formed...
. On 18 July 2011 the club announced the appointment of former Rushden & Diamonds head of youth development Mark Starmer as their first manager. On 22 July 2011, AFC Rushden & Diamonds U18's were accepted into the Northants Senior Youth League for the 2011–12 season.
2011–12 season
AFC R&D played their first official match under the name in a 3–0 loss to Raunds TownRaunds Town F.C.
Raunds Town F.C. is a football club based at Raunds, Northamptonshire, England.-History:Raunds Town was founded in 1946. There had been other teams with "Raunds" in the title as long ago as 1896-97, but at a meeting in the town's Temperance Hall in May 1946 a new amalgamated club was formed...
in a friendly match played on 6 August 2011, attended by 350 supporters. 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
Dale Roberts (footballer born 1986)
Dale Roberts was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper.Roberts started his career in his native North-East with the academy sides at Sunderland and Middlesbrough before he moved to Nottingham Forest. He failed to make Forest's first team and had loans spells with Eastwood Town and...
Memorial Cup against Cleveland Juniors at Kiln Park on 14 August 2011. The Diamonds played their first competitive Northants Senior Youth League game on 25 August 2011, running out comfortable 3–0 winners against Daventry Town
Daventry Town F.C.
Daventry Town F.C. is a football club based in the town of Daventry, Northamptonshire, England.-History:The club was established in 1886 as a local-town club playing in the Northampton Town League...
, in front of 467 supporters. The club continued its good start to the season, winning two and drawing two of the next four games. In spite of a 4–0 reverse away to Northampton ON Chenecks for a first defeat, AFC R&D remained top of the league with 11 points from six games. 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. The scoreline was reciprocated in the following league game, as Diamonds were on the wrong end of a 7-0 thrashing away to Cogenhoe United. Victories against Duston Dynamo Youth in the NFA Cup 2nd Round (2-1) and Northampton Spencer
Northampton Spencer F.C.
Northampton Spencer F.C. is a football club based in Northampton, England. Their ground is Kingsthorpe Mill in the north of the town at -History:...
in the league (3-2) followed, before Cogenhoe completed a league double over Rushden with a 1-0 win at Kiln Park.
Club badge
The club badge was voted on by the fans, from three possible designs.It was unveiled on 9 August 2011, at a fans forum at Kiln Park.
Youth team
Retired numbers
Managers
EWLINE
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Records
Highest Attendance 500 vs Cleveland Juniors, Dale Roberts Memorial Cup, 14 August 2011Record League Victory 3–0 vs Daventry Town
Daventry Town F.C.
Daventry Town F.C. is a football club based in the town of Daventry, Northamptonshire, England.-History:The club was established in 1886 as a local-town club playing in the Northampton Town League...
, Northants Senior Youth League, 25 August 2011
Record Cup Victory 7–0 vs Wellingborough Vicarage Farm, NFA U18's Cup First Round, 9 October 2011
Most League Points 15, Northants Senior Youth League 2011–12
Most League Goals 10, Northants Senior Youth League 2011–12
Highest Scorer in One Season Lewi Williams, 5, 2011–12
All Time Top Scorer Lewi Williams, 5, 2011–12
All Time Most Appearances Lewi Williams & Ashley Foulger, 12, 2011/12
Club officials
- Chairman: Ralph Burditt (Acting)
- Manager: Mark Starmer
- Club Secretary: Dave Albon (Acting)
Kit
| Date | Manufacturer | Shirt Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 2011- | Joma Joma Joma is a Spanish sports apparel manufacturer, which currently produces footwear and apparel for football, running and tennis. Its headquarters are located in the city of Toledo, Spain.... |
Playfish Playfish Playfish, currently a property of Electronic Arts, is a developer of free-to-play social network games. Playfish was founded in 2007 by Kristian Segerstråle, Sebastien de Halleux, Sami Lababidi and Shukri Shammas. In October 2008, they secured USD$17 million in venture capital funding from Accel... R&D Travel |
League history
| Season | Division | Position | Significant Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joined the Northamptonshire Senior Youth League | |||
| 2011–12 2011–12 in English football The 2011–12 season is the 132nd season of competitive football in England.The season began on 5 August 2011 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier starting eight days later, League Football Conference Starting one day before Premier League starts.The Championship, League One, and League Two... |
Northamptonshire Senior Youth League | ||