The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

I must start by saying I really value the sterling work put in by all the volunteers who support the club and put in all the extra effort that keeps our R&D going. However, despite the very high quality build and finish of our ground in the Griggs era, certain aspects are starting to look distressed, e.g. the clubs name on the South Stand and general discolouration of all things painted white.
I know the new owners have promised some money for players in the January window but is there anything for smartening up the stadium..?

This may seem trivial but I believe it adds to the general psychology of the team, management and fans, i.e. rundown ground = downbeat club etc.

Now it probably is the case that the money should be concentrated on players, and rightly so, but my question is, is there any way we as fans can help to restore our ground to the standard it was of years gone by?

I for one would happily help in any effort to do this - if co-ordinated and funded by the club or perhaps more meaningfully by the supporters trust.

Give me a paintbrush and I’ll be there...

Agree with every thing you say Dukes and it also niggles me every time I visit Nene Park.
Expensive building materials were used in the construction of the Stadium 15-18 years ago but these need to be maintained. The exterior cladding and internal fascias used to be cleaned on a annual basis, in the summer, using a cherry picker and a power jet. However, as discussed here 6 months ago, this method of cleaning was inappropriate and very abrasive and removed the protective coating and the mould on any cladding facing north remains damp in the winter months and attracts mould growth. There were plans to paint this cladding using a a specially identified Dulux paint product but sponsorship couldn't be obtained and there were problems get a cherry picker to access the fascia on the south stand. However, I'm sure the dirty cladding facing Diamond Way could easily be cleaned using a sponge and soapy water in the first instance.

I do hope that the new owners have plans to spend money on the stadium in addition to playing matters.

Trek wrote:. There were plans to paint this cladding using a a specially identified Dulux paint product but sponsorship couldn't be obtained and there were problems get a cherry picker to access the fascia on the south stand. However, I'm sure the dirty cladding facing Diamond Way could easily be cleaned using a sponge and soapy water in the first instance.

Perhaps the club should approach the fans with the amount required and see if we're willing to organise a "sponsorship" for the cleaning of the North Stand fascia rather than a player or two for next season? The badge on there is in dire need of a re-paint as well, what's it made of does anyone know?

Two of Diamonds wrote: Perhaps the club should approach the fans with the amount required and see if we're willing to organise a "sponsorship" for the cleaning of the North Stand fascia rather than a player or two for next season? The badge on there is in dire need of a re-paint as well, what's it made of does anyone know?

Ferrers spoke to the Dulux last summer but this should now be re-visited and your idea regarding sponsorship for the cleaning is very good. I should imagine the badge, facing Diamonds Way, is some form of plastic along with the letters to the South Stand which were going to be re-painted with red gloss paint.

http://www.thediamondsforum.co.uk/viewt ... 5&start=40

Yes we did do some painting in the stadium during the summer doing the railings in the airwair stand .there was only two of us mainly doing that with a handful doing the weeding outside of the stadium and cleaning seats.On many occassions there was only the same 5-6 people all the time who turned up ,with glenis co-ordinating it.
It is frustrating as i was prepared to do the letters on the stands and work on the fascias but due to no sponsorship that i was trying to obtain through Dulux for help to do it ,they said they mainly gave to charities.
There is a mechanical lift in the corner between the airwair and north stand ,wether it works i do not know,this would be ideal to use foe access to sort out the letters and facsias.
There seems to little money coming from the club to help with even the materials needed,i even donated glsspaper to help out.
There needs to be at least 10 -20 people to make a difference ,painting wise we didnt even scratch the surface of what needed to be done as we were getting there straight from work at 6.30pm until about 9,00pm on at least 3 nights a week.
The club need to at some stage pay for some work to be done on the stadium as volunteers and donations frm the supporters trust cannot keep it up to a decent standard,as it seems like with support dwindling it will be harder to get any volunteers to help as the old saying is whyt should we be bothered if others do not feel the same it left to the small few to try and get things done.
I agree the facilities and how they look do affect people if these are neglected what other areas are being affected?
Even just a wash it would look much better.
A lot more help would be benifical but who will persuade them?

Bleach gets rid of mould. Might need to get a few lorry loads of it though lol

coolcuts wrote:Bleach gets rid of mould. Might need to get a few lorry loads of it though lol

I'd be prepared to go up in a cherrypicker to clean the fascias.