All Time Diamonds XI: RM

[wewantourdarbyback]

This vote is in a similar vein to the last one. We again have a candidate who stands above the rest on initial consideration this time for the Right Midfield spot. However, this time we have a list of candidates who may possibly challenge him as they have all made great impressions at the club and in on case gone on to establish themselves at a higher level. As usual click the name for more info.

Paul Hall joined the club in late 2001 to bolster the clubs challenge for a play off spot that saw him and the team making an appearance at the Millennium Stadium. He would go on to make 128 starts scoring 29 goals from the right wing. His goal against Cheltenham in the POF will be remembered for a long time and is still up there with the best ever scored in the stadium. He left the club in 2004 for Tranmere when RDFC his financial difficulties and would go on to play for Chesterfield, Wallsall and Wrexham before dropping out of the league to join Newport. He is now player/coach at Stratford Town and stated his wish to manage Rushden after Gary Hill's sacking last year.

David Bell came through the youth ranks at Nene Park making his début in December 2000. He went on to make 144 appearances, scoring 10 goals before an £100,000 move to Luton saw him leave the club in January 2006. He won Luton's POTS award the next season and went on to play for Leicester and Norwich in the Championship before joining Coventry where he has played since last January. During his time at Nene Park he played for the Republic of Ireland at both U19 and U21 level as well as completing a trial at Middlesbrough.

Jon Brady made 165 appearances for Rushden after joining the club from Hayes in June 1998. Having played for Brentford and Swansea in the league he went on to help the Diamonds reach the league for the first time as a key part of the 2000/1 conference winning side. He would find his appearances in the league limited after the arrival of Paul Hall and after making a final substitute appearance at the Millennium Stadium Jon left the club for Woking. After a nomadic existence in the higher levels of the non league pyramid Jon was appointed Player/Manager at Brackley bringing fellow ex Diamond Ray Warburton in as his coach.

Andy Kirkup was one of the players to join RDFC from Rushden Town upon the merger with Irthlingborough in 1992. He made his début in the clubs first FA Cup defeat against Hednesford before scoring the clubs first ever hat-trick against Evesham. He remained with the club until 1996 playing a big role in the promotions that saw them plying their trade in the Conference for the first time. After making 166 appearances and scoring 48 goals he left for Gloucester City.

Thanks to the usual suspects for their help.

Next Up: Central Midfield.

[olio]

Thought it was a close call between Hally and Belly, but had to choose Hally in the end.

[jimbobjaw]

Im not sure that you mean right back tho ;)

[ID]

Fixed to RM ;)

[OsanoIsKing]

Paul Hall for me, different class.

I thought Kirkup was a striker?

[Rdfc91]

Paul Hall for me aswell, close as i did love Belly as well, but Hall was pure class.

[AFCRD_Dan]

Has to be Paul Hall, like others have said, he was a different class, and we definately missed him when he left. One of the best Right Midfielders who has ever played for us IMO.

[RustyDiamond]

Paul Hall for me aswel Andy Kirkup can't get the vote from me as im not old enough to know who he is

[Duffman]

Close call between Hall and Kirkup but Hall just edges it as some of his goals were pure class

[rushdenman]

Hall had both quality and consistency whereas Bell lacked the consistency (I'm surprised by his low goal ratio too).
Brady delivered an excellent cross and free kick and Kirkup was quick, with an excellent goals record, but played at a lower level than the others.

For me it has to be Paul Hall.