20/01/23: AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to announce the signing of Portuguese left-sided defender/midfielder Miguel Lopes de Matos from Southern League Division One Central side Hadley FC.

The 26-year-old is an experienced campaigner featuring in both the Isthmian and Southern leagues over the past 8 seasons. Miguel counts Waltham Abbey, Potters Bar Town, Northwood, Staines Town, Welwyn Garden City and Kempston Rovers amongst former clubs.

Last season, Miguel was an almost ever-present for Kempston Rovers in the Southern League Division One Central, scooping both the supporters’ and players’ player-of-the-season awards.

Manager Chris Nunn’s spell at Kempston didn’t overlap with Miguel’s, but having faced him this season, Chris was suitably impressed: “At Kempston we were very dangerous down the right hand side and Miguel was the best left back we came up against this season. I hoped I’d be able to have the opportunity to work with him and having spoken to him at length recently, he’s shown me during those conversations that he wanted to be a part of what’s happening at the Club at the moment. He’s in great shape, a fit, confident lad that will really add to the group. I’m delighted he’s signed.”