In a further update to the AFC Rushden & Diamonds First Team Squad, Manager Andy Peaks confirmed that both Chris Dillon and Matt Finlay have left the club.
Peaks said “I would like to wish them both well as they are both decent guys, it just didn’t really work out for Chris this season as he had an injury and a holiday booked so we mutually agreed for him to leave. For Matt it’s been very difficult as I have stuck with Ben this season as my number one and it is only fair for him to have the option of picking up a number 1 spot at another club. Matt has been instrumental since he arrived at the club in 2014 and has enjoyed promotions and play offs where he has been crucial to the teams progress. He is the ultimate professional and I wish him all the best in the future.”
Goalkeeper Matt Finlay made his debut for the club on 22nd February 2014 after joining the club from Cogenhoe United – he had moved across at the end of January but the poor weather meant he had to wait over three weeks to make his debut. He became a key member of the team that won promotion from UCL Premier in 2015, helping the team to create a new club record for unbeaten games. Although often an “unsung hero”, his performances meant he continued to be a key part of the Diamonds success as they moved up to Step 4, and he won both the Fans’ Player of the Season award and the Players’ Player of the Season award at the end of the 2015-16 campaign. His performances the following season as the the Diamonds “moved North” led to him winning a Player of the Month award earlier in the 2016-17 campaign. In total he appeared 161 times for the club keeping 47 clean sheets.
Picture Gallery courtesy of Malcolm Swinden Photography Copyright Mal Swinden ©2014-17
