AFC Rushden & Diamonds players have been giving their thoughts ahead of the new season to Adam Cockings and Paul Judd who polled them for a message to the fans on behalf of Radio Diamonds.
Alfie Taylor:
I would like to start off by thanking the fans for being our 12th man through the highs & lows of last season & I’m sure they will be just as good this year. Pre-season’s been good in the sense of fitness, which paid off last year, and although we had a slow start in the first few friendly games, we picked up and won some tough games. But as everyone knows results aren’t the main thing in friendlies & I’m sure we will be ok for the season ahead. We’ve made some great signings & I think we are stronger than last season. On a personal note it was disappointing to get injured last year, and being the honest player I am I know I wasn’t playing to my full potential to the back end of last season, but still got over 20 goals which I was happy with after missing a few months of football. I’m now back 100% fit, feeling fresh & ready to give my all for the club starting away at Deeping on Saturday.
Jamal Clarke:
Looking forward to the season and I’ve seen enough in the pre season games to know that we should perform well at this level.
Nat Liburd:
I’m Looking forward to the season ahead. From training and playing with the team it’s looking promising that we can push for promotion and challenge for the title, but my message to the fans would be to get behind the lads and show their support for the club, as we have had in pre season.
Zach Farden:
I Just want to say that the support is great, and we have a strong squad at the minute! The season is looking promising, and we’re looking forward to seeing all the fans at the upcoming games!! Thanks for all the support!
Brad Harris:
It was a hard pre season, but also a slightly frustrating one on my behalf after picking up a knock on my ankle which forced me out of a few games. I’m feeling good now though, and I’m really looking forward to our trip to Deeping on Saturday.
Quincy Shoronmu:
With the season officially starting shortly, I am much looking forward to it. I am very proud & happy to be still involved in this great project of getting AFC Rushden & Diamonds back to where they belong – that is to the very top tier of English non- league so it was easy to extend my contract with the playing staff for the second season at the club. As you can all see there’s been a lot of changes in the playing staff so there’s competition in every position in the squad to keep everyone on their toes to perform better than last season. Talking of last season, we started so brilliantly in the league until nature took its course during the winter with some bad games away to Eynesbury & Oadby, but after that defeat against Oadby Town we stood firmly back on our feet and went on an excellent unbeaten run until the end of season. That so far is still the biggest highlight of my season, even though I didn’t play as much as I’d have liked at the end of the season due to injuries, but that’s all gone now and hopefully for a better and injury free this season . The lads are gelling together, and I’m so itching to get the season started to earn the maximum points possible for a back to back promotion. We’ll all put in a great effort as a team to take this club to the next level. So my message to the fans is firstly thanks for your support through thick and thin last season both home and away, for standing by us during the wins, draws and losses, you are the best fans owned club in the universe so far. Thanks for accepting us during ups and lows. Great supporters, great club. Let the game begin. We shall be together till end of this coming great season. #COYD
Lance Allen:
Last year has provided a great learning curve for me and I look back and see that it was learning that I needed, I knew the expectancy of the club but coming into the new season, I am a much better prepared, we want to make significant improvements in the forward roles and I think my style of play will help Diamonds push forward this season again, looking forward to giving the fans more excitement each week.
Louis Smith:
I can’t wait for the first league game on Saturday. I’ve really enjoyed pre-season and being back at the club after the five months at Burton Park Wanderers which has filled me with confidence. Training has been tough and all the lads have worked hard. We’ve played some good football in the friendlies and everyone is buzzing going into the first game. Personally, I’m also looking forward to being part of the U21 squad where I’ll be playing for an opportunity of being involved with the first team.
Jake Gillingwater:
This season will be tougher than last, so stick with us and just enjoy watching and being a part of the club that’s yours.
Arron Parkinson:
To all AFC Rushden and Diamonds fans, all the players are looking forward to another successful season . With the help of your fantastic support hopefully us the players can continue to win as many football matches as possible. The backing you gave the side last season was nothing short of amazing . I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and will hopefully pulling on a Diamonds shirt on again sooner rather than later. Looking forward to seeing you all Saturday at Deeping.
Ash Meeks:
It’s good to be back after a season at Roade FC, can’t wait for the season to finally start and hopefully provide decent football for the fans to watch!
Tom Cross:
We look to have put together a very strong squad that will be pushing for the league and we hope to give the fans many enjoyable Saturday afternoons, and hopefully put together a good cup run.
Alex Deakin:
Hopefully we can build on last year and be pushing near the top which I believe we can. With the players that we’ve got and with the players we’ve signed I can’t see any reason why we can’t. I’m sure the fans will get behind us and push us on like they did last year.
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You can read a preview for our two games on Saturday – the first team game at Deeping Rangers and the U21 game at Bewdley Town by clicking on the appropriate link. Details of the next fixture for each of the Diamonds teams are in the Match Status page here.
Pictures Courtesy and Copyright Mal Swinden ©2012-13 Malcolm Swinden Photography
