14/03/25: AFC Rushden & Diamonds are pleased to announce the signing of 25-year-old American central defender Sam Tessler as we head into the final fixtures of the 2024/25 season. Sam grew up in the States playing for the youth section of L.A Galaxy and Pateadores Soccer Club before heading off to Seattle University. After moving to the UK in 2023, Sam has featured for Yaxley, Grantham Town and most recently St. Ives Town at Step 3. Manager Michael Harriman had this to say regarding his latest recruit: “We’re thrilled to have Sam join the squad for the remainder of the season. It’s no secret that we’ve been struggling with injuries at centre half, particularly recently. Sam joins us with a good amount of experience across Steps 3 and 4 and his presence at the back will be a huge boost, and we can’t wait to see what he brings into the group as we push for more positives in the last 8 games.”

Sam is available for selection for Saturday’s trip to Coleshill Town in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division.