Special RDFC Memories

[diamonds_expat]

After following the scandalous events of the past weeks and months via this forum, I felt the need to write, make some kind of contribution and express my support.

I have been supporting the Diamonds for 16 years, the past 13 of which I have spent living abroad in Germany. Going to Diamonds games home and away for the 2-3 weeks a year that I spent in England was an absolute highlight! The games, the goals, the trips, the excitement, the atmosphere... so many fantastic times. The club may (for the time being) have been snatched away and destroyed by ruthless businessmen, but the precious memories and passionate core of fans remain.

Here is a selection of my favourite (alternative) R&D memories:

- watching my first R&D game on Dec 23rd 1995 against Ilkeston. The thing I remember most about that game is the fancy dress costumes on display in the PDB!

- making up my own R&D song with the names of the 96/97 team to the tune of "I am the music man" and recording it on a tape! The end of the chorus was "Daaaaaaaaren Collins" (What was I thinking of?!? :-))

- going to a reserve team game in 1997? against Atherstone (away!!) on a weekday evening and having my (very) hot chocolate being knocked out of my hand by a wayward shot from Carl Alford (actually nothing too special about that ;-))

- the jubilation I felt when it was confirmed that Hereford had defeated Yeovil to hand Diamonds promotion to the Football League (via teletext on an encrypted SkySports channel somehow available on German satellite)

- flying over from Germany to watch the title clinching game against Hartlepool!

- convincing four German friends during a trip to England to come along and watch my beloved Rushden & Diamonds (Oxford away in the league 2010) for almost twice the price of what they would pay to get into a Bundesliga game.

- convincing countless puzzled Germans over the years that I didn't support a Premier League team, but proudly followed a team from the 5th (at times 3rd or 4th) tier of English football.

...

Everyone of us has their own special and unique memories of R&DFC. Let's share those and look forward to brighter times ahead.

[diamonds_expat]

Mods, on further thinking, how about having a sticky thread in which folks can share their favourite, special, wacky and wonderful R&D memories and experiences... Would that be possible? I'm sure the selection of stories and comments would make great reading and also help highlight just what R&DFC is all about IMO - not a ground, but all the fans who were and are (and will be) united by a common passion and interest: (AFC) Rushden & Diamonds.

[BartonRaz]

There is this thread which has drifted somewhat, but you're welcome to add yours to the list;

http://www.thediamondsforum.co.uk/viewt ... f=2&t=3631

I'm reluctant to make anything a sticky because the top of the board is already looking slightly cluttered.

[Diamond Warrior]

There is this thread which has drifted somewhat, but you're welcome to add yours to the list;

http://www.thediamondsforum.co.uk/viewt ... f=2&t=3631

I'm reluctant to make anything a sticky because the top of the board is already looking slightly cluttered.

Instead of a sticky, could you possibly make a new section for everyone to put their memories?

[BartonRaz]

Wouldn't know how. I'll discuss it with my friends. ;)

[StaceyH]

To be perfectly honest, I've spent 2 days crying (I'm allowed, I'm a girl ;)), I've got some bloody fantastic memories but I don't need to be reading everyone elses (I shared most of them with you all after all).

I want my club back; I want to spend my Saturday nights discussing the game, dissing the ref and rating the players legs...