
- Nationality
England
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- Diamonds
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12/10/23: Following Chris Nunn’s departure, Michael Harriman has agreed, alongside Tom Lorraine, to take the team for an interim period, with the hope that the Club can secure a new permanent successor within the next fortnight. The Club will now begin the process of reaching out to identified options, whilst welcoming applications from elsewhere.
24/10/23: AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Harriman as the Club’s Manager, on a permanent basis Michael is of course no stranger to our Club and its fans, having joined the Club as a player back in March of this year, before moving to a player-coach role over the summer. Michael has amassed over 300 appearances in the Football League amongst clubs such as Queens Park Rangers, Wycombe Wanderers, Gillingham, Luton Town and Northampton Town, and takes his first step into management with the Diamonds.
Michael Harriman had this to say following his appointment as Manager of AFC Rushden & Diamonds this afternoon: “I’m absolutely delighted to take on this role moving forward. This is a fantastic Football Club and to be given the chance to test myself in a new role is something that really excites me. The group of players we have here are an exciting bunch to work with. They are keen to learn and improve and will ultimately give 100% for this Football Club and that’s all I can ask. We have two really big games coming up at Hayden Road and we need you more than ever. So please come out, be loud and proud and support these players. Let’s move forward together, up the Diamonds!”
Chairman Rob Usher had this to say on the appointment of Michael Harriman: “The decision to appoint Michael became a straightforward decision in the end, for two reasons. Firstly, it was clear to us all that the reaction from the players to Michael and Tom stepping in on an interim basis was overwhelmingly positive. Myself and Alex have been down to watch training sessions that have been incredibly lively, intense and enjoyable and we’ve already seen this translate onto the pitch. Secondly, during the interview process the board of AFC Rushden & Diamonds and those that assisted us with the process were blown away by Michael’s passion for the Club, his vision, his playing philosophy and his desire to do whatever is required to ensure that our Club is successful once more.”
Rob Usher continued: “Lastly, with player recruitment at the forefront of our minds at the moment following recent departures and unavailability, this became a necessary step to provide both continuity and clarity on the situation surrounding the managerial position. We are all right behind Michael and Tom, and hope that our supporters will give them their full support as we head into some important matches in the context of our season.”
07/05/24: AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to advise supporters that Manager Michael Harriman has agreed to remain in his role as First Team Manager at the Club into the 2024/25 season. After a very difficult start to the 2023/24 season, Michael took the reigns on a full-time basis at the end of October in what is his first managerial role, a role which he combined with being a key member of our playing squad. In the following months, Michael set about evolving the squad, making substantial changes to personnel around the Club both on the pitch and behind the scenes. As has been well documented, on 12th January we had 4 points and we were 14 points adrift of safety. Since then, the Diamonds picked up 28 points from the final 17 games, coming within a whisker of remaining at Step 4 on merit. The Club then finished the season with some silverware, winning the Northants Hillier Senior Cup at Sixfields for the first time since 2019. Despite the eventual disappointment on the final day of the regular league season, the transformation around the Club over the last few months has been clear to see and gives all associated with AFC Rushden & Diamonds optimism for the future.
Michael Harriman had this to say after committing to the Club for the new season: “I’m absolutely delighted to be staying on as Manager for next season. On reflection, whilst the end result wasn’t what we had hoped, I have learned so much over the last 6 months and there were a lot of positives for us to take forward. The support I’ve received from the Club as a whole has been fantastic and I thank each and every one of you for that. I’ve loved every single moment so far and I’m looking forward to making more memories with this amazing Club.”
Chairman Rob Usher was keen to ensure that our first piece of summer business was concluded early and was delighted to retain Michael’s services: “The turnaround in results and performances over the second half of the season made it a no-brainer to offer Michael the opportunity to carry on into next season. This was a view unanimously agreed by the Board. Michael brings a huge amount of experience from his professional career and continues to build a culture around the First Team that fosters a winning mentality. I am delighted that Michael will continue to lead the Club into next season and look forward to a more stable and positive campaign in 2024/25.”