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Written by Pete Grimes
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Friday, 08 December 2006 |
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Address
Nene Park
Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire
NN9 5QF
Map
Official Site
Forum
Rushden & Diamonds Supporters' Trust
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was formed at the end of the 1991/92 season
following a merger between local rivals Rushden Town (formed 1889) and
Irthlingborough Diamonds (formed 1947). Rushden Town FC was founded in 1889 and
competed in the Midland and Northants Leagues before joining the United Counties
League in 1901. Apart from a short period in 1956-61, during which the side
competed in the Central Alliance, the Russian's remained in the UCL until 1983,
winning the Championship on 10 occasions. It was a bold decision to step up into
the Southern League Midland Division and for a time it appeared that the Club
had over-reached itself, but seven years later it gained promotion to the
Southern League Premier division. However, after finishing in 14th place in it's
1st season the Russian's were demoted to the Midland Division as the outdated
Hayden Road Ground failed to meet the required standard for the Premier
Division.
Irthlingborough Diamonds FC were formed in 1946 and began playing competitive
youth football the following year. After a lengthy association with the Rushden
& District Youth and Senior Leagues, the club moved into the Kettering Amateur
League in 1960 before joining the United Counties League 4 years later. In 1967
the Diamonds won the Division 2 title and were promoted into Division 1 where
they remained until 1982. The Championship was won on 4 occasions - the last of
these being in 1982/83, and foremost among other notable achievements were
exciting FA Vase runs which took the Diamonds to the semi-finals in 1980/81 and
in 1983/84.
Both clubs achieved relative success before the pre-merger but by 1991
Irthlingborough were suffering diminished fortunes compared with the highly
successful 70's & 80, and an approach was made to a prominent local business
man, Max Griggs, concerning a possible sponsorship package. After much
consideration, Max Griggs recognised the problems being experienced by both
Rushden and Irthlingborough and deliberations and discussions commenced
regarding the merger of the 2 clubs. Despite reservations from various quarters
the merger was eventually agreed and Irthlingborough's Nene Park, was brought up
to the required standards.
The newly formed club kicked off their first campaign in the Beazer Homes League
Midland Division. The first game, watched by 315 spectators, was on Saturday
22nd August 1992, against Bilston Town at Nene Park, and finished 21. In 1993-4
they won promotion to the Southern Premier League.
They gained promotion to the Conference in 1995-6 and paid a non-league record
shattering fee of ?85,000 to lure Carl Alford to Nene Park from rivals Kettering
Town.
Having failed to gain promotion in 1999-00 season through, as manager Brian
Talbot claimed, lack of goals they spent almost ?300,000 on Morecambe's Justin
Jackson and Duane Darby from Second Division Notts County and it was money well
spent as they won promotion to the League.
Now it's back to the Conference but with one of the best grounds in the league.
Max Griggs has departed and left the club for the fans to run. So, welcome
back!!
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 08 September 2007 )
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