The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

I've always been a believer in getting a settled side, that means giving people time - we're 4 games in, undefeated and narrowly missed out on winning a few times - not the time for wholesale changes. It'll come, sometimes you have to have a little faith!

OD#2 never in my life have I read so much rubbish. At least if you have a point to be made have some evidence to back it up. Please go away and come back with a valid and sensible point. Chances are we won't be hearing from yo again any time soon going on your track record!

I think we have a pretty decent squad, at the present time, to compete in the top third of the league from what I've seen. Our new players have gelled reasonably well so I now expect us to push on. Suspensions, injuries and pre-arranged holidays will always present challenges, Dolman,Bunting and Wilkinson already this season. Herbert and possibly Ashton fall into this category now.

Let's see where we are in early October before jumping to conclusions that our squad isn't up to the mark.

I've been to all but one game this season. My contributions on this theme/thread will stop here, but I'll still be hoping we sign a new striker and centre midfielder very soon to ensure we continue to rise up the pyramid at the rate we should be.

I don't see any problem with people having an opinion isn't that what this site is for? Let's not get personally abusive about it. I think we've done OK so far but conceded some sloppy goals from long balls into our box. We need to work on cutting those out and we'll be fine.

Oundle Diamond #2 wrote:I've been to all but one game this season. My contributions on this theme/thread will stop here, but I'll still be hoping we sign a new striker and centre midfielder very soon to ensure we continue to rise up the pyramid at the rate we should be.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the rate we should be climbing the leagues, bearing in mind we have to do it sustainably. It took the Ploppies 2 years to get out of this league spending an absolute fortune on the squad, and we won't be paying anywhere near what they were.

Oundle Diamond #2 wrote:I've been to all but one game this season. My contributions on this theme/thread will stop here, but I'll still be hoping we sign a new striker and centre midfielder very soon to ensure we continue to rise up the pyramid at the rate we should be.

....and where are you planning on playing? The D&D might be good enough for the next league up but not the one after that without significant investment. Which opens up a hole new can of worms.

Why not enjoy the Southern League, build and stabilise on the fantsastic and swift progress made so far and then look toward the next step.

Three of Diamonds wrote:I don't see any problem with people having an opinion isn't that what this site is for? Let's not get personally abusive about it. I think we've done OK so far but conceded some sloppy goals from long balls into our box. We need to work on cutting those out and we'll be fine.

I agree on both counts - but if you have a controversial viewpoint you have to expect people to tackle you about it - no point flouncing off if people don't agree with you! If people throw abuse at you, ignore it - simples!

The point you make about sloppy goals is a good and valid one - without them we'd be joint top of the table !! Dolman back in defence is a must for us !!

Oundle Diamond #2 wrote:I've been to all but one game this season. My contributions on this theme/thread will stop here, but I'll still be hoping we sign a new striker and centre midfielder very soon to ensure we continue to rise up the pyramid at the rate we should be.

Serious question, what's wrong with a slow and steady climb? Say three or four years to get into the next division, bearing in mind our ground restrictions. Is it just because it's boring?

Bob's Bitch wrote:

Oundle Diamond #2 wrote:I've been to all but one game this season. My contributions on this theme/thread will stop here, but I'll still be hoping we sign a new striker and centre midfielder very soon to ensure we continue to rise up the pyramid at the rate we should be.

Serious question, what's wrong with a slow and steady climb? Say three or four years to get into the next division, bearing in mind our ground restrictions. Is it just because it's boring?

your right, time is not a problem if your building a decent squad especially if you have some younger players cementing their place in the team. I'd rather our attendance mark would increase by a few hundred instead of bringing in players on stupid money just to try and get up the leagues as quick as possible