The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Yesterday was a very sad day for us. Our son has been coached by R&DFC since he was 6 years old. Through the reigns of Geoff Harrop, Greg Broughton, Paul Driver and latterly Mark Starmer. He is now 16. All he has wanted to do was be a pro football player. He knew that it would be difficult. He has stuck with R&D throughout even when been aproached by "biger" clubs. He was offered a full schollarship earlier in the year. Now, as I type, there is nothing.
Mark Starmer has been fantastic over the last few months. His loyalty to the boys and parents can't and should not be questioned. How do you think he feels at the moment?

It's important the young lads continue the level of football that was being offered.

People will persue other options to make this happen I'm sure

that's the nature of the game.
i'm sure he'll find another club.

mooey wrote:Yesterday was a very sad day for us. Our son has been coached by R&DFC since he was 6 years old. Through the reigns of Geoff Harrop, Greg Broughton, Paul Driver and latterly Mark Starmer. He is now 16. All he has wanted to do was be a pro football player. He knew that it would be difficult. He has stuck with R&D throughout even when been aproached by "biger" clubs. He was offered a full schollarship earlier in the year. Now, as I type, there is nothing.
Mark Starmer has been fantastic over the last few months. His loyalty to the boys and parents can't and should not be questioned. How do you think he feels at the moment?

The same must be said for the current scholars. Some of them would have chosen this instead of A Levels or other qualifications so it is a desperate time for some people.

mooey wrote:Yesterday was a very sad day for us. Our son has been coached by R&DFC since he was 6 years old. Through the reigns of Geoff Harrop, Greg Broughton, Paul Driver and latterly Mark Starmer. He is now 16. All he has wanted to do was be a pro football player. He knew that it would be difficult. He has stuck with R&D throughout even when been aproached by "biger" clubs. He was offered a full schollarship earlier in the year. Now, as I type, there is nothing.
Mark Starmer has been fantastic over the last few months. His loyalty to the boys and parents can't and should not be questioned. How do you think he feels at the moment?

There are some good players in that squad - although i have seen some better ones go as well. I do know of at least 1 that has been training at Kett in the last week or so. The advice given a couple of weeks ago should stand - if they can find a club they should go - not nice, but at that age group, they are leaving school and have to make a decision that will be totally relevant to the rest of their lives. A 16 Year old specifically needs guarantees - R&DFC, Starms, Trev, PD can't give that at the mo. The younger age groups still have time on their side. Good Luck with what you decide.

I think many lads from all age groups are already trialing elsewhere.

Time is not on their side no matter how young as next seasons squads at other clubs are already being finalised and if players aren't careful they won't be able to compete at the level next season.

My lad went training at K*ttering, but thought it was not up to Diamonds standards. Think he has resigned himself to go 6th form, play ULC next season and hope to get scouted from there.

I know for a fact lots of our players are asking to sign for them at all ages.

Personally on the pitch not much difference and the other players are keen to commit I am told.

Wouldn't be surprised if a few of our youth coaches end up their also

heard todaythat the under 16 scholarships are to still go ahead, there will be a club next year and to start planning the youth for next season although i'm sure we will know more come mid june

I hope so, hopefully Mark will contact all the U16's to let them know the score.