The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

When we first left NP, I said I would never set foot inside the stadium again.

If we were able to just pay for the electricity etc that we needed, then surely there isn't as big a problem as it seems?

Trek wrote:

ron manager wrote:I see St Neots is a very clever design, as it is built with expansion in mind, so I like the route they are taking.

For example it currently holds 3500 (seats and two terraces - ideal), which would also suite us, and make

The problem is that I can't see that they will improve their crowds. Like Brackley they are struggling to build their fan base. The Saints are currently third in the SLP but only average 320 for their home league matches this season which is poor and a drop of over 22% on last season's average attendance and I'm sure is a major disappointment to their Chairman.

I'm sure last seasons attendances for St. Neots were bolstered by a number of our fans going to watch them, there was a discussion on the members forum at the time, that a lot were taking it up, since we got £2 back from the £8 entrance fee.

I think St. Neots ground, is definitely something we should aspire to. Even Bedford Towns ground, which I visited once last season impressed me.

I love Nene Park and would relish the chance to go back - however, it won't happen !!

We could never afford to run the place, let alone bring it back up to the standard it once was. There are so many manitenance issues at NP these days, its a shadow of its former self thanks to years of neglect and frankly I'm not sure I would want to invest the money. That aside, there is an end game being played out over there and its doubtful we'd get the chance anyway...........plus aren't KTFC being saved by a couple of millionaires? :?

I guess we'll see what the future holds for us, if my Euro Millions comes in, we're sorted ;)

diamondgeezer1 wrote: I'm sure last seasons attendances for St. Neots were bolstered by a number of our fans going to watch them, there was a discussion on the members forum at the time, that a lot were taking it up, since we got £2 back from the £8 entrance fee.

Yes I was aware of that when writing my post. Last season's attendances may well have been bolstered by Diamonds fans in limbo on a Saturday afternoon but the fact remains that despite playing in a higher league that have failed to encourage additional folk from their catchment area to watch their local club this season. I did hear they get a far bit of revenue on weekdays charging rail commuters to London for car parking. I hope their money man doesn't lose interest.

Pigman wrote:I love Nene Park and would relish the chance to go back - however, it won't happen !!

We could never afford to run the place, let alone bring it back up to the standard it once was. There are so many manitenance issues at NP these days, its a shadow of its former self thanks to years of neglect and frankly I'm not sure I would want to invest the money. That aside, there is an end game being played out over there and its doubtful we'd get the chance anyway...........plus aren't KTFC being saved by a couple of millionaires? :?

I guess we'll see what the future holds for us, if my Euro Millions comes in, we're sorted ;)

I also hope my EuroMillions come up, some is set aside for Diamonds, and my local rugby club Bedford. Any left over is for the half dozen Big Issue salesmen in a red shirts on the A6 near Irthlingborough.

If you win the Euromillions couldn't you just buy Hayden Road and the houses round it and make a more sustainable stadium? ;)

I loved NP but after experiencing the D&D and Hayden Road I feel like the latter two are more warm (in terms of atmosphere around the stadium and the surroundings). NP was just a bit cold and lonely if you know what I mean?

Sara Pascoe wrote:If you win the Euromillions couldn't you just buy Hayden Road and the houses round it and make a more sustainable stadium? ;)

Don't think you have sufficient space and that's why Nene Park was developed instead of Hayden Road. ;)

That's why I said buy the houses around it. ;) Dig underground for a car park. Sorted.

Sara Pascoe wrote:That's why I said buy the houses around it. ;) Dig underground for a car park. Sorted.

I think the houses are council owned, Rob. It's tight to the road and cricket field and minimal land where the burger van is. No car parking and the pitch has a slope. Other than that it's fine.

Seriously, the real option is an edge of town brown field site with space for car parking, away from housing, good link road to either A45 or A6 with a peppercorn ground rent. ;)

Euromillions Paul, Euromillons. Hand a bit of cash to the council and they'll see our point of view. If any residents get a bit angry about 1,000 people turning up every two weeks then I'm sure £50k will silence them. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chFLF4G-xkE