i have just one word to say

[luckyfour]

Yes, brilliant last night, the progress made in such a short period of time is incredible. I was was flying on the way home and full of pride in the club, the lads and MS. I don't know what the situation is with all the lads but they really started to look like a team and it would be great if we could keep them together. I agree about Lewi, he looks good and exudes confidence but thought they all did really well tonight. The defence looked a lot more solid too.

[Superhans]

brilliant!!
i really enjoyed the game, well done to starms and the lads, some really good control, passing and movement. the lads held shape brilliantly and they seem to be getting to know each other better, a lot more comunication between them
coming home i felt really proud of what we have done, to win a game comfortaby as we did against what seemed like a reasonable thrapston side is a magnificent achivement! well done to everyone... cant wait to get the season underway now,i honestly didnt think id be saying this but im more excited about this season than i have been for years

[Mad Dog]

Match report with photos is now online:

http://www.afcdiamonds.com/afcrdthrptwon

[Three of Diamonds]

Now we need a BIG push on promoting next Thursday's game at Kiln Park. Tell your friends, family and anyone else you know. Offer to drive them over there if you have to, or buy them a beer but get the word around we're in business. Tell people it's only £50 to sponsor a player for a whole season. Tell them it's their club and ask them to be a part of it. I have noticed a few Rushden & Higham posters going up, maybe we should do the same? We need people wherever they live to pop into their local shops & businesses and put up posters. Talk to people and be open & honest about it, tell them it can be what they want it to be.

THIS IS NOT A FALSE ALARM,
THIS IS NOT A TEST.

In the words of Nike (Greek Goddess of Victory) - no excuses, just do it.

[NORTHANTS48]

by Two of Diamonds
I have noticed a few Rushden & Higham posters going up, maybe we should do the same?

Do you really think its a good idea to tread on peoples toes.

That ways always a criticism aimed at Diamonds it the past with local clubs.

[Three of Diamonds]

It's only advertising isn't it? Those posters have gone up recently as they're trying to tap into what was previously R & DFC support. I don't hold it against them, and I don't blame them - I don't see it as stepping on toes, merely competing in the same marketplace. If the two banners were side-by-side then that's a fair choice for people to have IMO.

[NORTHANTS48]

I have an interest in both teams, so see both sides of the argument.
I do think it’s important how the club is perceived.

[Formic]

I think it's essential AFC RDFC Youth works with local teams, rather than against them.

There is a danger of "over-promoting" what is in fact a youth team, playing a short season of midweek youth team games against the youth setups of UCL clubs. Those reading the posters could easily be forgiven for thinking they will be going along to see a proper team in a proper league - there is no mention of it being a youth team, or the fact you will be watching a game in the Northants Youth League.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid= ... i&hl=en_GB


The AFC Youth Team shouldn't really need to compete with Rushden & Higham's UCL team - they will play a full season of Saturday / Tuesday games against men's teams - unlike AFC Youth. I plan to go along to Hayden Rd on Saturday to watch R&H in their first FA Cup game of the campaign, and I suspect there will be other ex-Diamonds there.

As long as people go to AFC RDFC Youth games understanding it is a pre-cursor to a proper relaunch of the team next season that is fine - but it would be a shame if people were turned off before that critical season because of the quality of the "package" they experience this season - e.g. I suspect there will be no PA / teamsheets etc at some grounds for the youth games, even if there would have been for those team's UCL games.

[NORTHANTS48]

May see you there then Formic. I'm hoping my son will get a chance to play.

[Three of Diamonds]

Of course it's a fine line. If we under promote the club, people will drift away and we've potentially lost another club. Personally I think it's important to promote AFC R & D as a "club" rather than a youth "team", people have seen the articles and kept informed, we're not mis-selling anything.