AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted that, in conjunction with Macron and with the permission of Dr. Martens, a special, commemorative re-make of the much-loved 1998-1999 home and away shirts are to be produced to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the FA Cup ties with Leeds United, which occurred 25 years ago this past January. Diamonds famously held the Premier League leaders to a draw in front of a capacity crowd at Nene Park, before taking the lead at Elland Road in the replay thanks to a goal from Carl Heggs. The Diamonds eventually succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, Leeds United goals coming from Alan Smith (2) and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Legendary RDFC Manager Brian Talbot spoke of his delight at supporting the Club in its latest fundraising initiative: “It was great to be a part of Legends Day last summer and subsequently, wonderful to see and hear how the Club is building on the legacy of Mr. Griggs with plans for the future and finding a sustainable base from which the Club can grow. I’m delighted to support this new venture to help raise vital funds at this critical time and can’t wait to get my 98/99 shirts. Best of luck also for the final games of this season and hopefully, the great escape.”
Vice-Chairman and Commercial Director Alex Raspin had this to say: “It was so clear last summer that our Club needs to do more to realign itself with its past and to celebrate the successes of Rushden & Diamonds FC. Both the Legends Day itself and the Kit Donation exercise were so well-supported, it gave us an idea to re-make historical kits to hopefully generate much needed revenue for the Club heading into a pivotal time in the Club’s short history. The 25 year anniversary of the incredible Leeds United FA Cup matches gives us the opportunity to re-produce probably my favourite ever Rushden & Diamonds kit and I’d like to personally thank Dr. Martens for their help in allowing this to happen.”
A limited run of both home and away shirts will be produced to cover only the amount ordered. Pre-ordering is now available on the online Club Shop and will close on Sunday 5th May, with delivery of the shirts expected in July. The shirts, which we are doing everything we can to replicate but will feature slight differences to the originals, were the most frequently requested during last summer’s Legends event Kit donation appeal and are very fondly remembered by those who followed the Club during those times.
Support the Club into the future, by remembering and acknowledging its wonderful past.
Pre-orders now open: https://www.afcdiamondsshop.com/replicakit.asp
