The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Brownie, if you are going to Yaxley for the Cup Final on 5th May, you will be very lonely!
Maybe you could help clear up the confetti and empty beer bottles.

re Tommy Berwick. If I'd just gone by the highlights package and his finishing against Long Buckby I may have tended to agree. However his tremendous work-rate, his ability to make opportunities for others, his previous goal-scoring form for other teams and his obvious frustration when the shots did not go on target make me realise that he should be an essential component in the squad. His ball control and work-rate have allowed others- Gearing and Rogers in particular- to concentrate on developing their own role instead of having to back track to help out in midfield - particularly since the absence of Confue. I agree with many on here that the present squad should be given their chance at a higher level. Perhaps a few new faces to strengthen the squad but we are more than good enough to establish ourselves at this higher level. If we just try to 'buy' success that will achieve nothing in the long run, as many teams have found to their cost.

Of the current squad the only player you would think may leave is Jason Turner. Reasons being he's been mainly used as a sub and at 34 he isn't going to want to play his final seasons as a sub. He's a decent striker who we could take forward but he's competing with four other strikers and who knows peaksy may be looking to bring in another.

I think one of Andy's biggest decisions to make will be whether or not to bring up any players from the U18 Academy and U21 sides - as was mentioned on Hayden's blog some weeks ago, there's some bright lads in there who should get a chance to show that they can do it at senior level - whether that's against Cogenhoe or in pre-season friendlies, we put a lot of money and expertise into developing the younger players and it would be a great vindication of that part of the club's philosophy to get them some first-team time.

I don't think there's anyone who we should be offloading at the moment - some may not want to come up with us, but almost every member of the squad is proven at Southern League level, and I'm sure some of the quality football we've been playing is the sign of a squad that will do well next year.

TheIncognitoKid wrote:Of the current squad the only player you would think may leave is Jason Turner.

I can think of another one, who didn't celebrate our title on Tuesday instead going straight to the dressing room and was conspicuous by his absence this afternoon.

Didn't see dunks there today...

AdamSRJFC wrote:

Oundle Diamond #2 wrote:
The Ashton verdict is in the context of wanting to bring in Darren Purse to the starting XI.

Ashton a squad player?! What are you on?!

Why do you want Darren Purse here? At 37, yes he's a good player, but not one for the future, Ashton is. What if Purse doesn't want to play here? What if he retires?

Its a good job you're not the manager

Having spoken to Darren this morning, he has been very complementary of the club and has told me what he hopes to do next season, management and playing side of things. Hoping to get this on my blog in the coming week or so... - Hayden.

What are you implying Hayden? To the dismay of the plethora of fans who wrote so thunderously against me above that I may have pre-empted the best coup this football club will have ever pulled off? Please don't tease me. Please.

He'll probably sign as cover at centre half as he has done this year, I'm fairly sure he'll be playing on the 4th May due to a need to reshuffle the back 4 because I know of at least one player who is unavailable.

Having seen him play, he's a good player, hard tackling and uncompromising, but I wouldn't see him replacing Jack as first choice week in week out - but who knows, maybe you might get one thing right out of your list eh? ;)

Oundle Diamond #2 wrote:What are you implying Hayden? To the dismay of the plethora of fans who wrote so thunderously against me above that I may have pre-empted the best coup this football club will have ever pulled off? Please don't tease me. Please.

Come on stop attention seeking now...... :|