01/10/22 – Club Statement: The Board of AFC Rushden and Diamonds can confirm that manager, Andy Burgess, has parted company with the Club this evening.

The Board wish to put on record their gratitude to Andy for the professional manner in which he has conducted himself during his time at the Club and wish him the best of luck for the future.

15/04/22: 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 24^th 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.”

24/02/22: AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to announce that Andy Burgess has today been appointed as the Club’s Interim First Team Manager.

Supporters will be familiar with Andy, who made 333 appearances for Rushden & Diamonds FC. During his playing career, in addition to playing for clubs such as Luton Town, Mansfield Town and Oxford United, Andy played for the England C team between 2007 and 2009. Andy’s managerial career has included Sheffield Wednesday Women, Nottingham Forest Ladies and Leeds United Ladies.

Andy has also worked as Assistant Manager at Corby Town, Stamford AFC and Widnes FC, as well as First Team Coach at Mansfield Town. With 11 League games left, Andy’s first task will be to ensure a continuation of the form that has seen the team sitting in a play-off position in the Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central.

Chairman, Ralph Burditt, commented, “I am delighted to welcome Andy to the Club. There were many extremely high-calibre candidates for the role, but Andy stood out on the basis of the enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism that he will bring to AFC Rushden & Diamonds.”

Andy also commented on his appointment, “”I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take the Club forward. It’s a Club I’ve kept a close eye on over the last few years given my links with Rushden & Diamonds. The players and outgoing management did a fantastic job of getting to this point and for me it’s now a case of trying to finish the season as strongly as possible by winning 11 cup finals. That will be my focus from this point forward, taking each game as it comes.

I’d like to thank the AFC R&D Board for giving me the opportunity. It’s a chance I’m going to take with both hands.”

Andy will take up his role this afternoon and AFCRDTV hope to bring you his first interview before Saturday’s match. Everyone at AFC Rushden & Diamonds is looking forward to working with Andy and supporting him in his role.