The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

AFCRD fan, Paul Gadsby has written a new book entitled 'Chasing the Game'. This is a fictional account of the stealing the Jules Rimet Trophy back in 1966 when it was on display in Westminster Hall prior to the World Cup taking place. The trophy was famously found by Pickles a mongrel dog hidden in a hedge in a brown paper bag.

Should be a decent read.

http://www.paulgadsbyauthor.co.uk/about ... -the-game/

Is that the same Paul Gadsby who's on Radio Northampton out of interest?

Olly wrote:Is that the same Paul Gadsby who's on Radio Northampton out of interest?

I can confirm it isn't! I'm the author of the book about the Jules Rimet Trophy theft but strangely enough I was interviewed by the radio Paul Gadsby a few years ago - a really nice guy, think he hails from Nottingham way originally, whereas I'm Rushden born & bred. My support of the club goes back to Rushden Town, first match at Hayden Rd the FA Vase QF defeat to Hythe Town in 1990, a young Andy Peaks playing at right-back.

Been a keen reader of this forum for a few years now but thought I'd finally be bold enough to join up in order to clarify the above point. Many thanks to Trek for posting a message about Chasing the Game (he's a kind chap) and there'll be a feature about the book in an upcoming AFCRD match programme if anyone's interested.

Looking forward to seeing which players Andy & the team will be retaining for next season. Some big decisions to make, especially up front. Be interesting to see what they decide to do with Alfie. . .

paulg wrote:Looking forward to seeing which players Andy & the team will be retaining for next season. Some big decisions to make, especially up front. Be interesting to see what they decide to do with Alfie. . .

I don't think you will see Alphie playing for us again, his pride won't let him.

Mat.H wrote: I don't think you will see Alphie playing for us again, his pride won't let him.

Unfortunately, I think you will be prooved right although at the recent Members Forum Peaksie did pass the comment 'that the door's open for him' and he would be having a further discussion with Alfie once the season's fixtures had been completed.

Trek wrote:at the recent Members Forum Peaksie did pass the comment 'that the door's open for him' and he would be having a further discussion with Alfie

Would like to be a fly on the wall in that meeting!

Looking forward to seeing what attacking options we line up with on August 9th. If we make a strong start to 2014/15 we can intimidate the other title challengers and that could be key.

paulg wrote:
Looking forward to seeing what attacking options we line up with on August 9th.

I should imagine that a priority for the new management team will be securing the services of a solid wide left midfielder who can produce the same goals per game ratio that Matt Gearing achieves in the right midfield slot. I always feel that Fazel has more goal scoring success when he is allowed to play up front rather than as a wide midfielder.

Yeah Fazel is a strange case - with his build & qualities you'd think he'd be really effective as a traditional winger but much of last season he looked more of a threat down the middle rather than out wide.

Haven't heard/seen many transfer target rumours yet in the media or on social media etc, but I'm sure the coaching/scouting team have been on the case. A wide left player would be a great addition - I admire Ling's tracking back and willingness to get stuck in but his distribution (last season at least) wasn't the best.

paulg wrote: A wide left player would be a great addition - I admire Ling's tracking back and willingness to get stuck in but his distribution (last season at least) wasn't the best.

I agree and was always sticking up for him with the colleagues that I stand with but the overriding problem with him is when presented with a decent goal scoring opportunity he either put's it wide or straight at the keeper. I wonder if we might see the odd player join us from the Cooks bearing in mind the appointment of Paul Lamb, perhaps Liversedge or Lamb-Johnson?

Talking of next season, does anyone know what the status of Alfie's contract with us is - has it expired and will therefore be a free agent this summer, or is he still in a formal agreement with us?