[ Sat 4th May ] v Northampton Spencer, KO 3pm UCL1 AWAY

[Pigman]

I've just got in from a celebratory curry, been drinking Diet Coke all night, didn't need booze as I'm drunk on success - smell that?? Thats the sweet smell of promotion

This season has been awesome, my thanks you to everyone for making it such a success.

We're blessed with some fantastic people on our Board who have worked so hard this season to give you this moment, I'd like to thank Ralph, Jon, Dave A, David C, Mark, Darren, Bob, John, Matt, Chas and Stace for the immense effort they have put in all season - I know only too well the sacrifices they have made for the club that they all love and they thoroughly deserve this moment in the sunshine - Stace, YES, we ARE going up

The celebrations on the pitch at the end today showed just what this means to us, I am so proud right now of everyone associated with the club - I don't mind admitting that I was quite emotional today, and why the hell not eh?

We've started the journey up, I never truly expected us to get promoted this year, we're still on a learning curve in terms of running a football club but this success is just the start.

I am looking forward to celebrating this properly next Friday evening (get your tickets to the Presentation Evening quickly - time is running out ).

Before that though we have the small matter of the U18s final game on Thursday - please turn out in numbers to the D&D to cheer these lads on, one win away from winning the title - it'll be your last chance to meet up at the D&D this season, have a beer and chat about what a tremendous season this has been.

What a season, Ladies League and Cup Winners, Senior Team Promoted and U18s on the threshold of being Champions - wow, what a brilliant start to our new Chapter. We can't do all this again next season.............can we? ;)

[Dazzler]

Who was the minute silence for?

I think it may have been for the former Raunds chairman Paul Scanlon who sadly passed away today.

Pete Scanlon. He passed away 1:30 Sat. Thoughts with Nigel and Anthony, and all at Raunds Town FC.

[SouthRushdenJFC]

What can I say that hasn't been put already?

Not a lot, but that doesn't usually stop me.

Yesterday was a day of days going down the list of people who make this club what it is you can tick all the boxes.

We created an atmosphere that I doubt has been seen in UCL football before. I think a big thank you should go out to Spencer who were very accommodating and enjoyed us visiting.

From the first game to the last and all that's gone in between for Community, Academy, Ladies, Disability, Under 18's and First Team the club has truly been football for all. We saw all facets of the club on Saturday.

I've never really watched men's football until this season and I have to say I have loved every minute of it.

To paraphrase Churchil.

"This is not the end.

It's not even the beginning of the end.

However it may be the end of the beginning"

[Bob's Bitch]

So awesome, so awesome, so awesome.

So awesome.

My throat huuuuuuurts!

[TwinkleToesTomlin]

I've supported diamonds over 16 years, and that was the best day I have EVER had following us.

So, so proud of our club.

[sussexdiamond]

Just for fun I have looked at the seasons progress and it makes Interesting reading.

The first 9 games W5 D3 L1 19-9 18PTS
10-18 W8 D0 L1 29-8 24PTS
19-27 W8 D1 L0 21-5 25PTS
28-36 W7 D2 L0 27-9 23PTS

Some have said that we lost the title in those first games when we dropped points to Wooton and Burton but you have to remember that Starms got together a completely new squad and it always takes some time for players to gel and for the managers thoughts and style to come across.

Well I think he and the players certainly achieved a great understanding pretty quickly after that first quarter. ONE DEFEAT IN 27 GAMES!!!!!!

[Chas]

I agree with TwinkleToes, has to be the best day ever that I've had following the club in this or its previous incarnation.

A massive shout out to all the volunteers and especially from a personal perspective all the matchday ones, without whom none of this would have been possible.

[StaceyH]

I've supported diamonds over 16 years, and that was the best day I have EVER had following us.

So, so proud of our club.

At the risk of getting all emotional all over again; I totally agree. The scenes and atmosphere before, during and after the game will live long in my memory - absolutely amazing.

If you haven't got your tickets for Friday night, please message/call me by lunchtime tomorrow as I have to confirm numbers. I'm happy to accept payment on the night.

[olio]

Standing on the pitch, surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of fans, and witnessing the celebrations wth the players, made me realise how proud I am to call myself an AFC Rushden & Diamonds fan. I'll never forget those scenes. Ever. A massive thank you to every single player in the squad, who have all contributed at different times of the season, and to Starms and his backroom staff. Thank you must also go to the volunteers who have all helped out tremendously this year, and Ralph for helping ot give us our club back.

A brilliant all round performance yesterday, considering the amount of pressure that was on our shoulders. Can't fault any of the players, who all did their jobs confidently. It's been an absolute brilliant season though. I'll never forget games such as Sileby (Home and Away), Oadby at home, Eynesbury at home etc, and I've enjoyed this season just as much as any year supporting the old club.

Roll on next season, and the UCL Premier!!

[supersub]

Wowww, I have to admit I am still buzzing. What an absolute amazing day. Well done to everybody who got our club rocking and rolling again. See you Friday SS