There was a time when Rushden & Diamonds FC was a proud, successful club with a multi-millionare owner. Today the club no longer exists after being expelled from the Football Conference because of massive debts and looming administration.
“Well we didn’t want it to die like that,” Jon Ward said.
Thanks to Ward, who doubles as the club’s press officer, and other supporters in Rushden and Irthlingborough, the spirit of R&D still has a chance to live on. Memories of a championship trophy in 2003 and the Football League are just that, a proud memory of distant times. But the future is bright and exciting. The story could have a sad, sad ending, but thankfully that was not the case.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds has already begun its meteoric rise from the ashes of a tarnished club. They are starting from the bottom and working their way up, hoping that their fortunes look more like AFC Wimbledon than the handfuls of English clubs killed by the worldwide economic downturn.
“We’re just a group of fans really,” Ward continued. “None of us had any experience running a club.” The lack of experience was the first of many challenges.
“Our ex-chairman leased the grounds to our rival Kettering Town,” Ward added. “So we didn’t even have anywhere to play.” So attention quickly turned to the local communities and clubs for assistance.
Once suitable grounds were found, a manager, a leader was needed. That man turned out to be Mark Starmer, the former head of youth at the old club. Starmer led the Rushden & Diamonds youth side to victory in the Midland Youth Cup and the FA Youth Alliance League, including a 4th round appearance in the FA Youth Cup.
“He comes very well spoken of, very well qualified,” Ward stated. “He was by far the obvious choice. Everyone’s thoroughly pleased that Mark is on board.”
They will feature a U-18 team this season with the hopes of launching a senior team next season. This certainly makes sense, starting with youth and developing players. Having fans and supporters captaining the ship is also sensible since they are the ones that wouldn’t walk away from the love of club and sport. It is safe to say that the beautiful game is alive and well in the hands of AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
The team already has a few games under their belt, playing against older and more experienced competition. For several AFC R& D players it was the first time they had ever played in front of a large crowd. Even a 3-0 loss to Raunds Town Reserves in their historic first match didn’t dull the supporters’ enthusiasm.
“Everyone appreciated that they put in 100%,” Ward contended. “That is all you can ask of people. If the players do that, the fans will go home happy. It doesn’t matter what the score is.”
To find out more about the club, please visit their new website at www.afcdiamonds.com.
