Another busy week across the Club! The hard work of the new Board with the support of volunteers and the local community is really starting to bear fruit as we head into the New Year.
We were really pleased to appoint Chris Nunn as the new first team manager at the beginning of the week. As you will all know, Chris has plenty of experience and local knowledge. A full report on the recruitment process is available for members to review on the Members’ Area of the website.
Chris has got straight to work with plenty of players on his radar as well as getting to know the existing squad. Due to the rules around 7-day approaches, we will bring you news of any new signings as soon as we can. Chris has also been busy appointing his backroom staff and we’re delighted that he has asked Matt Vernon and Jordan Williams, to remain with him and the first team following their short term as interim management. Chris has also retained the services of our Sports Therapist, Peter Cockings as well as bringing in Mickey and Kyle.
We are also pleased to welcome back Kartell Dawkins who re-joins us on loan from Leicester City FC until 4th January as his trial at Sheffield Wednesday FC has been postponed. Kartell will be available for the match at Bedford Town FC on Boxing Day.
We were also delighted to welcome Rebel Energy to the Club as our new main sponsor this week. The new shirts will be on display over the 2 festive fixtures and don’t forget that, if you have a shirt with the old sponsor’s logo on it Macron will replace the logo for free! Additionally, Rebel Energy will give the Club £50 for every Diamonds supporter who switches their energy supply to them. See here for full details.
Over the festive fixtures, clubs in the Southern League will be supporting Shelter’s #nohomekit campaign. Consequently, we will be playing in our white kit at Bedford Town FC on Boxing Day and then our yellow kit at home v St Ives Town FC on 2nd January. Details on the work Shelter do is here.
We have recently linked up with Encompass, a local cause that aims to help those who are homeless and in poverty by providing food, washing facilities, hot meals and advice with benefits and housing. As a result, from 2nd January, we will have a collection point at each match at Hayden Road for any supporters who wish to make a donation.
Encompass desperately need the following items to give to those in need:
- 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 collection point will be in the area around the turnstiles.
Due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, there will be no update next week so all that remains is to wish every single one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you at Bedford or Hayden Road.