AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to confirm that Andy Burgess has been appointed as the Club’s First Team Manager on a permanent basis.
Since being appointed as Interim Manager on 24th February, Andy has not only been working with the senior players but has also taken a keen interest in player development. As part of his role moving forward, Andy will be looking to support, grow and leverage the existing quality within the Club’s Academy pathway to bring players through to the first team.
Given his time spent within Rushden & Diamonds FC’s Academy pathway as a player, his involvement at professional academies such as Accrington Stanley and in his current role as a Development Coach at Manchester City, Andy brings significant experience in this regard.
Speaking to afcdiamonds.com, Andy Burgess said “I am extremely pleased to have been offered the position on a permanent basis and I believe this comes at a very important time for us as a group. The players have got the Club in a fabulous position in the table and with three games to go, we have it in our own hands to finish the season on a massive high. I believe this announcement further enhances our togetherness, our ability to work closely together and really focuses everyone on the job in hand.
Since being given the chance to join the Club I have been blown away with the support of everyone, from the board, the people who work in and around the Club and the fantastic supporters, many of whom I have reacquainted myself with having known them from my time as a player at Rushden & Diamonds.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ralph and the Board for affording me this fantastic opportunity and I look forward to my future with this Club with great excitement and anticipation”.
With the end of the season approaching, Andy’s permanent appointment will allow him to concentrate, not only on the run-in as the Club looks to secure a place in the Southern League Premier Division Central play-offs, but also on putting in place preparations for the 2022/23 campaign.
Andy is on the all-time RDFC appearances list with 333 appearances across two spells (1999–2006 & 2007–09). As part of a distinguished playing career at clubs such as Luton Town, Mansfield Town and Oxford United, he played for the England C team and has also worked as Assistant Manager at Corby Town, Stamford AFC and Widnes FC, as well as a First Team Coach at Mansfield Town.
Andy is also currently in the process of completing his UEFA (A) Licence.
Chairman Ralph Burditt commented “Having worked with Andy for a couple of months now, I am absolutely convinced that he is the right person to lead the First Team moving forward. His professionalism, dedication to the role and passion for football have shone through and his philosophies are an excellent fit with those of the Club. I believe that Andy is at the start of a long and successful managerial career and myself and the rest of the AFC R&D Board are delighted that he has accepted our offer of a permanent position.”
(Image courtesy of Hawkins Images ©2022)
