Former spurs defender Jusin Edinburgh is aiming to ensure that Rushden and Diamonds are not left back.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jusin Edinburgh is aiming to ensure that Rushden and Diamonds are not left back. The Diamonds are now managed by the studious ex spurs Stalwart and fullback Justin Edinburgh and after a period of austerity are set to rise again. His impact in 18 months has been a revalation, but lets not get too ahead of ourselves..even if he did land Rene Howe on loan from Peterborough on the eve of the big kick off…..
The merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992 was the brainchild of Max Griggs – the Doctor Martins king – who ploughed millions into a club team and fabulous stadium having fallen out with Northampton Town. The success was mercurial with 3 promotions taking them from the Southern League Midland Division to The Conference in 4 years.
Ominously under Brian Talbot, still a legend in these parts it took them 5 years to get out of the conference going into the Football League as champions in 2001. In their first season they reached the Division Three playoff final but lost to Cheltenham Town. Then in 2003, they were Champions again on the division, pipping the monkey hangers aka Hartlepool United – their third promotion in eight seasons. The wheels came off the cart the following season (2004/5) as R & D was relegated and Talbot sacked.
The following year Max Griggs gave club to the Supporters’ Trust and a second relegation ensued back to the Conference. The financial uncertainty continued for another 3 seasons with the club languishing in the bottom half of the table. Then Edinburgh took over in Feb 2009 & guided then to 10th. Last season they were fourth losing to eventual playoff winners Oxford 3-1 on aggregate.
With the exception of Lee Tomlin`s transfer to Peterborough for an undisclosed fee they have only got stronger with 10 new signings. Jamie Day came as part of that deal with Peterborough for an undisclosed fee and Shane Huke arrives from Central Coast Mariners. Also in at no fee Max York from Histon, Matthew Johnson from Lewes, Alan Power from Hartlepool plus dark horses Joe Keehan from Aveley and Justin Miller from Bidvest Wits. He has also taken on three frees, Ryan Charles , Donovan Simmonds and Lewis Spence.
On 16th Aug Dominic Green also joined from Peterborough on loan.
Rushden & Diamonds
Official site
Full name Rushden & Diamonds Football Club
Nickname(s) The Diamonds
Founded 1992
Ground Nene Park Irthlingborough (Capacity: 6,441 (4,641 seated))
Highest Crowd 4535
Ave Gate 1522
Chairman Keith Cousins
Manager Justin Edinburgh
2009-10 Conference National, 4th
Goalkeepers
Dale Roberts (1) Joe Day (13)
Defenders
Justin Miller (2) Kurt Robinson (3) Jamie Stuart (5) Curtis Osano (6) ynsley Mcdonald (21)
Midfielders
Lewwis Spence Max Porter (4) Jamie Day (11) Alan Power (14) Joe Keehan (15)Michael Corcoran (16) Matt Johnson (18) Shane Huke (20) Max York (23)
Forwards
Donovan Simmonds, Aaron O’connor (8) Craig Farrell (9) Neil Cousins (12) Sam Smith (17) Ryan Charles (19) Nabil Shariff (22)
INRene Howe Peterborough – Loan
Dominic Green Peterborough – Loan
Donovan Simmonds unattached
Lewis Spence unattached
Shane Huke Central Coast Mariners – Free
Max York Histon – Free
Matthew Johnson Lewes – Undisclosed
Joe Keehan Aveley – Undisclosed
Alan Power Hartlepool – Free
Ryan Charles unattached – Free
Jamie Day – Peterborough – Undisclosed
Justin Miller Bidvest Wits – Free
OUT
Lee Tomlin – Peterborough Undisclosed
