AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to welcome two new signings to the club ahead of Tuesday night’s United Counties League Divison One clash with Raunds Town FC.
Matthew Gearing, a 26 year old attacking midfielder, joins from nearby Cogenhoe United of the UCL Premier Divison. A player of some pedigree, Gearing began his career at Northampton Town and went on loan to Aldershot Town in Football Conference making 4 appearances for “The Shots”. After a further loan spell at Bedford Town Gearing joined Rugby Town, initially on loan, before making the move permanent in 2006. Sandwiching a brief spell at Hemel Hempstead Town in 2007/08, Matt went on to make 154 appearances for “The Valley” scoring 15 goals, leaving at the end of the 2009/10 season for a year in Australia. Since returning to England, Gearing played for Cogenhoe United, then Brackley Town before moving to Daventry Town in the Southern League, making 11 appearances and scoring three goals this term and most recently appearing in their 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Brackley on 22nd September. Moving to Cogenhoe in October, Gearing scored on his debut, a 3-2 home defeat against Sleaford Town and went on to make a total of 7 appearances for “The Cooks”, scoring 2 goals.
Speaking exclusively to afcdiamonds.com about Matt’s arrival, Manager Mark Starmer said: “Matt is a player I am very much looking forward to working with. His career history speaks for itself and he will give us further experience and know how in midfield. To be able to bring in a player of Matt’s calibre is a massive boost for us at this time, although he is someone that we’ve been keeping tabs on for a while now, going back to before the start of the season.”
The second new addition to the squad is 23 year old pacey forward Lance Allen who signs from UCL Division One rivals Bugbrooke St Michaels, having played against in the 1-1 draw between AFC R&D and “The Badgers” last Tuesday night. Lance score 6 goals in 14 appearances for Bugbrooke last season and has netted once in six starts this term.
Speaking about his second signing of the day, Mark Starmer said: “Lance gives us something different in attack. He has raw talent and this is something that I can definitely work with. During his time at the club, I’d like to help him develop his footballing abilities and to push on to the next level. Training with us is something that I know Lance is relishing and he is another fresh face at a time when we need new energy.”
Stay tuned to afcdiamonds.com for more transfer news expected ahead of Tuesday’s game.
All images courtesy of Mal Swinden
