06/08/23: AFC Rushden & Diamonds are thrilled to announce the signing of 24-year-old midfielder Joe Sutton ahead of the 2023/24 Northern Premier League Midlands Division campaign. Joe is another that’s appeared for the Club during pre-season, featuring in every friendly so far this Summer and producing a particularly eye-catching display in the opening friendly against Real Bedford. He began his career with Histon in 2016 before a lengthy spell at Steps 3 and 4 with St. Neots Town between 2018-2022. A nomadic spell followed and Joe turned out for 4 clubs last season – Spartan South Midland League Premier Division Play-Off winners Stotfold, Welwyn Garden City, Barton Rovers and latterly Potton United. Joe is a player that Manager Chris Nunn identified at the backend of last season and he was understandably pleased to get his man: “I’ve known Joe for a while from his time at St. Neots and have always kept tabs on him. He’s had a difficult year last year for various reasons and hopefully we can get him settled and enjoying his football again. If we can do that, I’m sure he’ll become a fan favourite this season. He’s come in from the first training session in pre-season and worked really hard. He brings loads of enthusiasm, energy and he’s a really likeable guy. He’s bought into what we’re trying to do here and he’s got a lot of experience at this level and the level above which is something we’re going to need to call upon at times this year. I’m really pleased to get him on board.”

Joe will be available for selection for this weekend’s first league game of the season, at home to Sporting Khalsa on Saturday 12^th August.