08/12/23: AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to announce the signing of 22-year-old defender Luca Purse from Southern League Premier Central neighbours Kettering Town. Luca is a product of the AFC Rushden & Diamonds Academy, but began his senior career with Biggleswade Town at Step 3 under former Diamonds manager Chris Nunn.  After departing the Waders, Luca spent time with Barton Rovers and Cogenhoe United before making the step-up to Step 3 once again with Kettering Town in the summer of 2023. Across league and cup, Luca made 8 appearances this season for the Poppies. Luca will be familiar to many Diamonds supporters, having spent most of the 2023-24 pre-season schedule with the Club, making a good impression in a number of fixtures. Manager Michael Harriman had this to say after Luca put pen to paper for the Club this afternoon: “I’m delighted to get Luca signed and available for the weekend. He’s excited to come back into the group and be a part of what we are trying to achieve. As many will know, he’s a solid centre half, dominant physically and having played a lot of football over the last few years in and around this level of football he’s going to bring some more experience into the group. I’m looking forward to him showing what he can do in a Diamonds shirt.”

Luca is available for selection for tomorrow’s tie in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division against Lye Town.