28/06/23: AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to announce the signing of 24-year-old defender Jake Kerins from Southern League Division One Central side Kempston Rovers. Jake has vast experience with various clubs in East Anglia and Bedfordshire. Beginning his career with Mildenhall Town, a move to Bury Town followed before Jake was picked up by King’s Lynn Town during their 2018/19 Southern League Premier Division Central promotion season. Following the Linnetts’ promotion, Jake moved to St. Neots Town and following a short spell there, moved to Biggleswade Town, where he remained for a couple of years before joining Kempston Rovers last summer. He scooped the Manager’s Player of the Season Award at Kempston last season. Jake – who plays predominantly as a right back but can play anywhere across the back line – is no stranger to Manager Chris Nunn, who signed him for both Biggleswade Town and Kempston Rovers in recent years. He’s a player Chris had been keen to bring to the Club and he was delighted to secure his services for the upcoming season. “Jake will be coming in as Vice Captain because he sets high standards for himself and he expects his teammates to follow suit. He’s quick, he wants to win and he cares. When I spoke to him about coming to Rushden, it didn’t take him long to think about it and as with other recent signings, made it clear that he really wants to be here. I’ve had three seasons with Jake at Step 3 and I thought his career would go in an upward trajectory from there, so I think we’re very lucky to have him.” Jake spoke exclusively to AFCRDTV ahead of pre-season training last night and spoke to of his delight at joining the Club: “It feels good to be here and I’m really looking forward to getting started. I’ve worked with Chris before and I’m pleased to join up with him again here. Everybody knows about Rushden and the crowd here, I’ve played against the Club in the past and it’s seemed like a great place to play football. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and hopefully giving the supporters a season to be proud of after a tough period for the Club. The Club’s rebuilding and I hope the supporters are excited to come to Hayden Road to watch us this year.”

13/10/23: AFC Rushden & Diamonds can confirm that vice-captain Jake Kerins has opted to leave the Club to join Chris Nunn at Histon. We thank Jake for his contributions this season and wish him all the best for the future.