Since the last update, Chris Nunn has continued to work hard to bring in new players and we were pleased to welcome goalkeeper, Loris Marcimain from St Albans City FC in time for last Saturday’s match. This followed an injury sustained by Dean Snedker in training. We were also pleased to confirm that the Work Experience loans of Joel Anker and Charlie Waller from MK Dons have been extended to the end of the season and we also welcome Bogdan Marian on a Work Experience loan from Watford FC to the end of the season. It’s been a busy time for Chris and Stacey and they are both very grateful for the co-operation received from MK Dons, St Albans City and Watford.
Supporters will have noticed several names missing from the teamsheet on Tuesday evening. As part-time footballers with a day job, travelling a long distance during the week always presents some issues and so we have to accept that some players, and supporters too, will be unavailable to travel.
Congratulations to our most recent Lottery winner, Laura Seekings, who won £535! The next draw will take place on 5th March 2023. If you’d like to get involved and be in with a chance of winning, as well as supporting the budget, all the information you need is here: https://www.afcdiamonds.com/diamonds-team-building-lottery.
This week, we said farewell to Tim Dudding. Tim was the Head of Football at Moulton College and has been instrumental in setting up the link between the College and Club. He led the U23s to the National Football Youth League Cup Final last season and the team is currently 2nd in the league having lost only 1 game so far this season. Tim has taken up a position at Plymouth Argyle FC and he leaves with our very best wishes for the future.
You may already be aware that Matt Taylor and David Taylor have recently been co-opted onto the Board. Matt joins the board to head up commercial activities and David will continue the work he started some time ago on the New Home project.
The February Board meeting was held last week, and members of the commercial working group attended a North Northants networking event at Chester House where they met with local businesses and owners to spread the word of the work we are doing and available sponsorship opportunities. Events such as this will prove to be invaluable as we begin financial planning for next season.
On Saturday, we welcome Hednesford Town FC to Hayden Road in what promises to be a real old-fashioned ‘6 pointer’. We will be welcoming representatives from local charity, Encompass, to the match. Encompass help support local homeless people through their food banks in Rushden and Higham Ferrers. There will be a food bank collection point just inside the turnstiles so, if you’re able to, please give generously. Below is a list of all the items Encompass can accept:
- tinned meat, fish and vegetables
- custard
- jam/spreads
- rice pudding
- sugar
- coffee
- UHT milk
- soup
- washing tablets
- toothbrushes and toothpaste
- toilet roll
- shampoo
- conditioner
- body wash
- bleach
- deodorant
The end of the season is fast approaching with just 13 games left and, as Captain, Luke Massingham, said on Tuesday evening these are now all cup finals. Luke, Chris and the lads are incredibly grateful for all our support and won’t ever take it for granted. They’re hoping that as many of us as possible can be at Hayden Road to support the team. However, if you’re not able to make the match, you can listen to the Radio Diamonds commentary or follow the game on Twitter. There is a full programme of fixtures across the Club as usual and we wish everyone the very best of luck.
Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to our Club. Don’t forget that your Supporter Liaison Officer, Tim Sams, is available at all home games to take your feedback and suggestions but if you would like to get in touch sooner, please email any Board members direct or send your thoughts to support@afcdiamonds.com
