The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Any truth in this? Posted on St Neots forum last week:

Rumour Control has it that Chris Hope is leaving AFC Rushden and Diamonds to concentrate on his business. Not sure how big a loss this will be to AFC R&D as I do not follow them, however, it was big news when he joined them. I think they have moved on as a team in their build up of players since.

Hope not, playing part time doesn't take up that much of someone's time does it? Its just one evening training session a game or 2 a week isn't it, although obviously a long fa vase or cup trip may take up 2 days. What is his business anyway?

At the age of 40 he needs to prioritise his future income so I wouldn't be surprised if this is his final season. We now have an excellent replacement in Parkinson anyway, so it shouldn't impact too much if he decides to call it a day.

rushdenman wrote:At the age of 40 he needs to prioritise his future income so I wouldn't be surprised if this is his final season. We now have an excellent replacement in Parkinson anyway, so it shouldn't impact too much if he decides to call it a day.

Agreed, I don't think Hope is going to be first choice from now on, and I suspect this may be his last season anyway.

From what I have seen, other than experience, I feel that the younger defenders are now out shining Hope, although he still never misses a header.

Hopey's experience has been invaluable this season, especially with such a young squad. I'd like to think he'd at least see out the season. He's still arguably our best player in my opinion although I agree that Parkinson has been exceptional.

Really hope it isn't true, although I wouldn't be surprised if it was. As Raz says, Hopey is invaluable, not just on the pitch but off it. His experience, his leadership, and the way he conducts himself is second to none, he'd be an asset to any club in the country.

On the pitch, he's no usian bolt.. But the way he reads the game, more than makes up for it and like Ron says I don't think I've ever seen him loose a header and he's such a threat in the opponents box.

I just Hope after his final game for us he will be lifting the div 1 trophy aloft!

Even if Chris did pack up playing i think he would stil be about in some context, he was at the first meeting we had at the Pemberton centre which showed his feeling for the club

Disappointing if it is his last season, but hopefully he'll stay involved with the club in some way, even if its a sort of club spokesperson, if we don't have one already.

I would be very surprised if Chris just leaves. Imo, he will be at the club beyond the end of the season in some form. As already mentioned, at 40, he would be right to focus on his future career.

I'm sure that our first choice CB pairing has become Parkinson and Deakin, but I am also sure that if there is an injury or two, Chris will be right back in the middle of the defence!

It would be an awesome ending to his Diamonds playing career if he could lead us to our first promotion in a decade.