Hello and thank you for reading my weekly update on behalf of the AFC Rushden & Diamonds Board. As always, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes at the Club.
After the AGM the new Club Board, consisting of John Gregory, Stacey Hawkins, Richard Maxwell, Scott Stapley, Jon Ward, Matt Ward and myself met for the first time on July 22nd. The purpose of this first meeting was to look at any external support and expertise we feel is required to assist the elected members. I am delighted to say that four people have agreed to be co-opted to the Board for the coming year, with the below areas of responsibility:
- Ryan Farmer: Academy
- Mark Hedges: Football Liaison
- Chas Rust: Information Technology
- David Taylor: Strategy and New Home
Last week I gave you a brief update about our plans for making Hayden Road COVID-19 secure and our work on that continues. Together with Rushden & Higham United (for the Club House and Main Stand), we have produced, subject to final review and sign off, most of the required Risk Assessments and developed a comprehensive action plan ahead of the return of competitive matches. However, as I write this update, the Government has imposed a two-week delay in the national spectator test events to be held at various sporting events. Consequently, we are expecting a short delay before we receive the necessary spectator guidance from The FA and, therefore, I cannot give you any further information at this point. The recent announcements of additional restrictions in Northampton will undoubtedly also affect our short- term plans. The current guidelines state that all pre-season friendly matches must be played behind closed doors; supporters are not permitted to attend. Details of these matches will be available on the website once they have been confirmed.
Closed season maintenance work at Hayden Road continues. The pitch is looking superb and will soon be prepared for matches with the markings being laid so the normal pre match routines can be started. Around the ground, our volunteers are working hard to complete necessary maintenance. This year, as a direct result of COVID-19, we are having to cope with a significantly increased workload but with a reduced number of volunteers. So, when you do come to the ground please be aware some of the normal maintenance work may not have been undertaken and will have to be completed during the season. In the meantime, if you can help in the coming weeks please let us know.
Some useful and timely reminders for you:
Firstly, this is the last few days for you have your name in our home and away shirts for 2020-2021 season. The #GetInTheKit initiative will close on Friday, 7th August. You can select from the following options here: and as a reminder here are the options you can choose from:
- Adult Shirt plus Name: £100.
- Adult Shirt Gift Package: £120.
- Framed Shirt: £300.
- Name in the Shirt only: £50.
Secondly, the special shirt sponsorship raffle also ends on Friday 7th August, with only a limited time remaining to purchase a ticket. Some of you may have heard John Gregory on Radio Northampton last week promoting the raffle. We have also contacted every member of the Wellingborough and East Northants Chamber of Commerce as well as direct contact with around 80 local companies. Now is the time to make sure everyone you know who might benefit is aware of the raffle; simply contact John Gregory on marketing@afcdiamonds.com or Mobile 07788 102430 and let him have the details. The draw will be held on Sunday 9th August.
Thirdly, if you have not yet renewed or joined as a member, now is the time to make sure you are included in the special draw on August 31st to win a framed new-season shirt and lithograph signed by the First Team squad. Full details can be found at www.afcdiamonds.com/membership.
This week, more than ever, please make sure that you remain safe and keep up to date with the national and local governmental and public health advice, found here – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus. Details will probably change locally so listen out for regular updates.
