AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Harriman as the Club’s Manager, on a permanent basis.
Michael is of course no stranger to our Club and its fans, having joined the Club as a player back in March of this year, before moving to a player-coach role over the summer. Michael has amassed over 300 appearances in the Football League amongst clubs such as Queens Park Rangers, Wycombe Wanderers, Gillingham, Luton Town and Northampton Town, and takes his first step into management with the Diamonds.
Michael, alongside Tom Lorraine, stepped in to steer the ship following the departure of Chris Nunn earlier this month, earning the Club’s first victory of the season against Coleshill Town. Tom Lorraine will continue to assist Michael as Assistant Manager going forward. The intention is that Michael will continue to feature as a key part of the playing squad for the foreseeable future.
Michael Harriman had this to say following his appointment as Manager of AFC Rushden & Diamonds this afternoon: “I’m absolutely delighted to take on this role moving forward. This is a fantastic Football Club and to be given the chance to test myself in a new role is something that really excites me. The group of players we have here are an exciting bunch to work with. They are keen to learn and improve and will ultimately give 100% for this Football Club and that’s all I can ask. We have two really big games coming up at Hayden Road and we need you more than ever. So please come out, be loud and proud and support these players. Let’s move forward together, up the Diamonds!”
Chairman Rob Usher had this to say on the appointment of Michael Harriman: “The decision to appoint Michael became a straightforward decision in the end, for two reasons. Firstly, it was clear to us all that the reaction from the players to Michael and Tom stepping in on an interim basis was overwhelmingly positive. Myself and Alex have been down to watch training sessions that have been incredibly lively, intense and enjoyable and we’ve already seen this translate onto the pitch. Secondly, during the interview process the board of AFC Rushden & Diamonds and those that assisted us with the process were blown away by Michael’s passion for the Club, his vision, his playing philosophy and his desire to do whatever is required to ensure that our Club is successful once more.”
Rob Usher continued: “Lastly, with player recruitment at the forefront of our minds at the moment following recent departures and unavailability, this became a necessary step to provide both continuity and clarity on the situation surrounding the managerial position. We are all right behind Michael and Tom, and hope that our supporters will give them their full support as we head into some important matches in the context of our season.”
The Club would like to place on record our thanks to Tom Chapman who has been assisting Michael and Tom over recent weeks, but will now step away from the Club due to personal commitments. We hope to see Tom in and around the group in the future, as/when time allows. In the immediate term, Head of Academy, Ryan Seaman will step in to support Michael and Tom both in training and on Matchdays. Ryan is a UEFA B licence coach and will support the First Team alongside his coaching duties within the Academy.
