AFC Rushden & Diamonds were featured on BBC Look East on Tuesday evening. Presenters Stewart White and Susie Fowler-Watt introduced the story by setting AFC R&D in context – referencing the sequence of events surrounding Rushden & Diamonds FC, and how “the fans have refused to let the name die, setting up AFC Rushden & Diamonds.”
Look East Sports Editor Jonathan Park then presented a feature recorded at the Diamonds game versus Potton United at the Dog & Duck, where he interviewed a number of fans, plus Chairman Ralph Burditt and Manager Mark Starmer. Jonathan pointed out that although the standard is not that of the Premier League, “How many fans in the Premier League can have a say in the running of their club? Here at AFC Rushden & Diamonds they have around 800 members, including the players, who have a say in everything, including ticket pricing”.
Chairman Ralph Burditt added “… it’s completely sustainable. We are a Community Benefit Society, which means we are a non-profit organisation. All our assets are locked for community use.”
Along with further images from the Dog & Duck, including Jack Wisniewski’s goal that evening, and the final comment from a fan – “We’ve been in a bad place, and now the supporters have really clubbed together to bring us back to a good place, and the fact that the club is determined not to get into debt is great” the piece ended with Jonathan Park reflecting how the future looks good for the club run “….By the Fans, for the Fans”.
The Look East broadcast in question is no longer available via the BBC iPlayer, but if a separate feature appears on the BBC website then details will be added here.
