ROYSTON TOWN vs AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS - MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - SATURDAY 18th DECEMBER 2021

PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

ROYSTON TOWN FC vs AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS Saturday 18th December 2021 Kick Off: 3pm

Royston Town FC would like to welcome today's opponents AFC Rushden & Diamonds for their visit to Garden Walk for this Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Division Central fixture.

We wish their Players, Officials and Supporters an enjoyable afternoon and hope that the match will be a keenly contested and entertaining game.

We also welcome today’s Match Officials and hope they too have an enjoyable game.

TODAY'S MATCH SPONSORS: Vera & Colin Swallow

SUPPLIERS OF PRIZES FOR THE FAMOUS ROYSTON TOWN FC MEAT RAFFLE

Royston Town Football Club President Chairman Secretary

Founded 1875 Alan Barlow Steve Jackson Terry McKinnell 9 Valley Rise, Royston, Herts SG8 9EY 07772 086709

Treasurer Welfare Officer Fixture Secretary Executive Board

Webmaster Programme Editors Official Photographer

email: secretary@roystontownfc.co.uk Jeff Gill Angela Baulk Steve Endacott (07971 512402) Trevor Burrows, Andy Toovey, Eric Joyce, David Baulk, Angela Baulk, Chris Coote, Duncan Easley, Giles Parnwell, Neil MacLeod, Matt Clowery Steve Endacott Angela Baulk, Neil MacLeod Kevin Richards

Football Management Team First Team Manager First Team Asst Manager Reserve Team Manager U18 Team Managers Women's Team Manager Vets Team Manager

Steve Castle Chris Watters Lewis Endacott Dan Evans/Matt Campany Lewis Endacott Lee Wilkinson

Ground

Garden Walk, Royston, Herts SG8 7HP Telephone (01763) 241204

Colours

First XI Reserves U18 Women's Vets

White/Black/White White/Black/White White/Black/Black White/Black/White White/Black/Black

Members of: The Hertfordshire Football Association Southern League Premier Division The Herts Senior County League Thurlow Nunn Youth League Eastern Region Women’s Football League The Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Ladies League Royston Town Football Club is an unincorporated association controlled by its members under the Constitution of RTFC

CLUB HONOURS WINNERS Herts County League (Div I) 1969-70, 1972-73 Herts County League (Premier Div) 1976-1977 South Midlands League (Div I) 1977-1978 South Midlands Reserve League (Div II) 1978-1979 South Midlands Reserve League (Div I) 1979-1980 North Herts (Div IV) League Cup, 1978-79, 1979-1980 Herts Charity Shield, 1981-82, 1989-90, 1996-1997 Herts Intermediate Cup, 1988-1989 Chiltern Youth League (Div I) 1989-1990 South Combinations Reserve Floodlight Cup, 1992-1993 Chiltern Youth League Cup, 1992-1993 South Midlands Challenge Trophy, 1995-1996 Eastern Region Women’s League (Div II) 1998-1999 Eastern Counties Youth League Cup, 2001-2002 South Midlands Reserve Challenge Cup 2004-2005 KB Tyres Division III Champions 2006-2007 South Midlands League (Div I) 2008-2009 South Midlands League Cup (Div I) 2008-2009 South Midlands Floodlit Cup 1994-1995 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012 South Midlands Reserve League (Div II East) 2008-2009 South Midlands Reserve Challenge Cup 2008-2009 KB Tyres Division I League Cup 2009-2010 South Midlands Reserve Floodlit Cup 2009-2010 BIS Cambs League Division 2A 2010/2011 BIS Cambs League Divisional Champions 2010/2011 Veterans Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup 2010/2011 South Midlands Premier League 2011/2012 South Midlands Premier League Cup 2011/2012 Suburban League North Division 2012/2013, 2013/2014 Joint Winners of the Hinchingbrooke Cup 2013 Eastern Region Women’s League Plate 2013/2014, 2014/15 Suburban Premier League 2015-16 Eastern Region Women’s League Division 1 West 2015/16 Southern League Div 1 Central 2016/17

RUNNERS UP South Midlands Challenge Cup, 1978-1979 Herts Charity Shield, 1978-79, 1998-99, 2004-05, 2008-2009 South Midlands League (Premier Div) 1979-1980 North Herts (Div IV) 1979-1980 North Herts (Div III) 1981-1982 North Herts (Div II) 1982-1983 South Midlands Res Section Trophy, 1982-1983 Chiltern Youth League Cup, 1986-87, 1988-1989 Herts Intermediate Cup, 1989-1990 Herts County Youth Cup, 1992-1993 North Herts (Div I), 1993-1994 South Midlands Floodlit Cup, 1995-1996 Herts F.A. Women’s Cup, 1998-99, 2001-2002 2013/14 Eastern Region Women’s League (Div I) 1999-2000, 2013/2014 2014/15 Eastern Junior Plate, 2001-2002 KB Tyres Division I 2008-2009, 2009-2010 South Midlands Reserve Challenge Trophy 2009-2010 South Midlands Reserves Floodlit Cup 2010/2011 Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup 2013/2014 Eastern Region Women’s League, League Cup 2014/15 Southern League Division 1 Central 2014/15 2015/16

WHO'S GOT WHO? Today's other fixtures SATURDAY 18th DECEMBER 2021 Barwell v St Ives Town Biggleswade Town v Banbury United Coalville Town v Redditch United Hednesford Town v Bromsgrove Sporting Hitchin Town v Tamworth Peterborough Sports v Nuneaton Borough Stratford Town v Alvechurch

SCORES ON THE DOORS! LEAGUE TABLE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER CENTRAL DIVISION

https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/southern-football-league-premier-central-division

SO WHEN DID IT ALL BEGIN? The history of Royston Town FC After some intensive research, the evidence is that the club came into existence in 1875 making Royston the third oldest Club in Hertfordshire after Hitchin and Bishop Stortford.

The Club’s very first honour came in 1911/12 when they won the Creake Charity Shield beating Wisbech 1-0 in extra time.

The Club’s first major honour in more recent times came in the guise of promotion to the Herts County Premier League in 1969/70 and they went on to be champions in 1972/73 and 1976/77. In 1978 we rejoined the South Midlands League and won the Division One title at the first time of asking. Success continued with a final appearance in the Herts Charity Shield for the first time in 1979 and runners up spot in the South Midlands League Premier Division in 1980. The Herts Charity Shield was won in 1981/82 and two years later the Club joined the Isthmian League Division Two North where we remained for 10 seasons before returning to the South Midlands League in 1994.

After a period in the doldrums that culminated in relegation from the South Midlands League Premier Division at the end of 2006/07, Paul Attfield was appointed manager with ex-Spurs favourite Tony Galvin returning to Garden Walk 1st Team Coach in November 2007.

Paul immediately set about building a new 1st Team squad and a run of 17 games undefeated saw the Club move from the bottom of the table to finish in 5th place in the League.

The foundations had been laid for the 2008/09 season and the first team took the South Midlands Division One League title with one of the best sets of stats for any Step 6 Club in the country W33, D4, L3, GF138, GA30, GD+108, PTS 103.

The 2011/2012 season will be seen as a watershed in our history with winning the South Midlands Premier Division title and promotion to Step 4 in the shape of the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central.

In our first season back at Step 4 after an absence of 19 years, it was hard to know what to expect and how we would perform. Most of our supporters felt a mid-table position would be an acceptable target for the season, but we quickly found ourselves exceeding all expectations as our performances propelled us towards the top of the table. Four straight wins in the first four games set the tone and a run of nine wins with just one defeat between October and December saw us maintain a play-off position. In the very last game of the season a playoff was still a possibility and having gone 2-1 up away at AFC Hayes with just a few minutes of the game left it looked a near certainty. But it was not to be as Hayes scored an 87-minute equaliser and our play-off place was lost.

In our second season at this level, our steady progress to claim a place in the playoff zone was given a severe jolt when Paul Attfield announced his resignation as first team manager due to ill health at the beginning of November. The search for his replacement began almost immediately and we were inundated with applications from some very well know and successful managers. After an exhaustive selection process, the Board appointed Steve Castle at the end of November and on Boxing Day Steve officially took over securing a 0 – 0 draw against the League’s form team and eventual champions Dunstable Town.

Our 2014/15 season opener was at home against one of the promotion favourites Rugby Town but an impressive team display ensured their threat was stifled and we ran out winners 2 -1. That victory really did set things buzzing but we were quickly brought back down to earth when on the following Tuesday night Bedworth United were the visitors winning the game 3 – 1.

As we all know consistency in performances provides the key to long term success and although the early stages of the season produced good results against the likes of Daventry Town and Beaconsfield these were punctuated by dismal performances against the likes of Aylesbury and Egham Town. From mid-November to mid-December We really lost our way with six defeats in seven games but our rollercoaster ride saw an incredible run of form over the Christmas period and into the New Year with five straight wins which helped us maintain a position in the playoff places.

www.roystontownfc.myspreadshop.co.uk/

On a miserable Tuesday evening in February, we travelled to lowly AFC Hayes and after an abject performance, we lost the game 2 – 0. This prompted our Chairman to tell Steve Castle that he had given up on this team making the play–offs and said that we should start preparing instead for next season. That message was conveyed to players and we witnessed a most remarkable transformation in our results with a 14 game unbeaten run during which we scored 29 goals and conceded just seven resulting in us achieving the runners up spot to league champions Kettering Town and securing our place in the playoff semi-final where we met local rivals Barton Rovers.

After an incident-packed 90 minutes and extra time the game ended in a goalless draw but it was not to be our night and we lost the shoot out 4-5 and had to suffer the agony of all the emotions which go with being defeated in this way.

We started the 2015/16 season strongly and between the end of December and the end of March we produced a rich vein of form with only one defeat in 14 games and this ensured we were sitting on top of the league with just 7 games to go and with the expectation that we could win promotion outright ran high throughout the whole club. However, three games in succession proved our downfall when we could only draw 0 – 0 with Bedford and lost to Egham away 3- 1 and Godalming at home 1- 0 and once again we ended up in the play offs against AFC Rushden but we failed to turn up and went out tamely to our opponents 2 - 1.

Having finished runners up for two years in succession Steve Castle was determined to make it third time lucky and began to recruit some experienced new blood in the shape of John Frendo and Adam Murray whilst at the same time giving youngsters Gus Scott Morris and Josh Castiglione extended runs in the first team.

However, the season didn’t start well and after four games we’d only mustered five points whilst promotion rivals Farnborough just couldn’t stop winning. Although results did improve, defeat in the FA Cup to Heybridge Swifts 4 – 1 and a thrashing by Barton Rovers at home 6 – 3 at the end of September didn’t do a great of good for our confidence.

Things took a dramatic turn thereafter with 12 successive league wins which ended with defeat 2-1 at Kidlington in early January 2017, interspersed by a magnificent run in the FA Trophy including a victory against Step 2 outfit Hampton and Richmond Borough before in the replay against Dulwich Hamlet we eventually went down 1 -0.

With cup football out of the way, the team put together an incredible run of 16 league games undefeated including a 5 – 0 thrashing of closest rivals Farnborough which saw us maintain the top spot until the end of the season by a margin of 12 points and the highest number of goals scored, 120, across all three Evostik Leagues.

Promotion to the Southern Premier League means that the Club was playing at the highest level in its 142-year history!

Season 2017/18 saw The Crows exceed all expectations in our first season at Step 3. Throughout the season we managed to maintain our hopes of a play-off place until they were finally put to bed with two successive defeats against the eventual play-off winners Slough Town and we had to be satisfied with a seventh-place finish. The signing of Adam Marriott, a proven goal scorer who had played for Lincoln City, Stevenage and Cambridge United was without a doubt a real coup and he was to play a key role in the progress made by the Club by becoming our leading marksman with 31 goals. A good run in the FA Trophy with wins against Enfield Town and Leatherhead came to an end against Eastbourne Borough when having managed to draw at their place we lost the replay on penalties. We managed to get to the final of the Herts Senior Cup where we played Borehamwood from Step 2 and in spite of a brave performance we never really had the power to compete and lost 2 – 1.

Given where we had started from we definitely exceeded our own and many other peoples’ expectations and this has provided us with the building blocks to face this season in the newly constituted Southern Premier Central League.

Season 2018/19 saw us finishing in a respectable 9th position in what proved to be a very strong Premier Division Central. During February/March we recorded six wins out of seven league games to give us a faint hope of a playoff spot, but three straight defeats in April put paid to our chances.

We suffered another early at AFC Sudbury in the FA Cup and in the FA Trophy we progressed through two rounds before being beaten in a replay at Needham Market.

Season 2019/20 will go down in the Club’s history as one of the most successful and exciting but ultimately one which ended in bitter disappointment.

Steve Castle was quick to ensure we had players who were proven goal scorers and the arrival of Matt Bateman, Brandon Adams and Claudio Ofosu did not disappoint. Perhaps the only sadness that our young and highly talented left wing-back Joe Newton had created so much interest from EFL Clubs that in the end, it was inevitable he would have to leave us and Joe was signed by Coventry City.

No Crows fans will ever forget the team's brilliant performances in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy and although our FA Cup run ended with defeat to the very talented Maldon and Tiptree in front of a record crowd for Garden Walk of 1152. The interest generated in the Crows both locally and beyond was immense and set the scene for what was to come in the FA Trophy. It all started with very comfortable wins against Brightlingsea Regent and Haywards Heath and then were drawn away at Step 2 table-topping Wealdstone which for many was one of the games of the season as Royston shot into a 2- 0 lead before Wealdstone hit back to pull the tie level 2-2. In spite of being under constant pressure, the Crows mounted a great counterattack down the left and the cross was despatched by Brandon Adams to give the Crow’s victory 3-2. What followed was truly historic with home wins against Step 2 teams Boreham Wood 2-0, Chester 3-0 and away at National League Ebbsfleet 2-0, to set up a quarter-final tie away at Concord Rangers. In the run-up to the game, the rain had been falling heavily but our opponents declared the pitch playable and the invasion of six coach loads of Royston supporters and a convoy of cars and mini-buses descended on Canvey Island. As we started arriving for the kick-off the match referee declared the pitch unplayable and with a sense of extreme disappointment and also a lot of anger we all returned home. The following Tuesday the game went ahead but it was not to be and we were defeated 2-1. There is no doubt the Clubs achievements in the FA Trophy marked a watershed in our history which will be remembered for a very long time.

Running alongside the cup success it was easy to forget that we had got ourselves in contention to win the League with a run of only two defeats in 20 league fixtures. With 3 games in hand and only 2 points behind Peterborough Sports and Tamworth and playing some of our best football, we looked nailed on to win the League. Then out of the blue, the Covid crisis hit all levels of football and with what many felt was indecent haste the League decided to null and void the whole season.

All our achievements were suddenly for nothing and the taste of bitter disappointment amongst all supporters of the Crows was very hard to swallow.

Season 2020/21: As the pandemic took hold it seemed like the chances of seeing a new season start were remote but by summer 2020 there had been a massive improvement and by July the lockdown ended albeit with a host of restrictions in place.

By the time we had assembled a squad, we were without key players such as Matt Bateman who moved to Hemel Hempstead and Claudio Ofosu who joined Hartlepool and with a lot of the momentum and energy generated by the now-defunct season now dissipated we were finding it hard to get going again. In the League, we seemed to slip into the habit of conceding goals when in a winning position and a string of draws meant we languished in the lower half of the division.

The FA cup again promised to provide excitement with wins against Newmarket, Wroxham and AFC Stamford before losing to our old rivals Bishops Stortford. We won our first two ties in the FA Trophy against Hythe Town and Tamworth before going out 3-2 away at Brackley by which time the League season was yet again declared null and void as the second wave of Covid took its stranglehold.

A comprehensive history of the Club can be found in The History of Royston Town FC 1875 2012 first published in 2013. The book was written by the Club’s President, Alan Barlow following more than five years of painstaking research and can be purchased via the Club.

WHO'S WHO OF THE CROWS Joe Welch (Goalkeeper) Joined us from Chelmsford City in 2016/17, Joe started his career at Southend United before joining Histon where he played over 50 games and earned a loan deal at Stevenage. Joe’s other clubs include Ebbsfleet, Bromley and St Albans City.

Ed Asafu-Adjaye (Defender) Versatile defender who re-joined the Crows in 2019 after spending a season at Hayes & Yeading. Started his playing career at Luton Town and broke into the 1st team during the 2008/9 season. In total he made 64 appearances for The Hatters before moving to Forest Green Rovers and then to Hemel Hempstead Town.

Adam Murray (Defender) Adam joined us at the beginning of 2017/18, having spent the previous two seasons at Cambridge City where he made 60 appearances. He quickly settled into the squad and has proved to be a formidable addition for the Crows.

Ronnie Henry (Defender) Signed for the Crows at the beginning of this season after spending a season at Billericay Town. Ronnie was a product of the Spurs youth system, before going on to play 502 games for Stevenage (the club’s all-time record appearances) in two spells either side of two seasons at Luton Town.

Daniel Brathwaite (Defender) Club skipper, Dan joined the Crows from Chesham United for the start of 2015/16.

He is an experienced defender whose former clubs include Boreham Wood and Dover Athletic.

Dan Newton (Defender) Joined the Crows early into season 2020/21, Centre-Back Dan's previous clubs were Biggleswade FC and Northwood. He is a calm and confident defender and cousin of former Crow Joe Newton.

James Brighton (Defender) Experienced full-back who joined us in November 2019 from Kettering Town, where he had spent a successful four seasons. James has previously played for Hemel Hempstead Town, Cambridge City & Cambridge United.

Scott Bridges (Midfield) Scott re-joined the Crows in season 2020/21 after spending the previous season at Hayes & Yeading, having been a Crow for four years previously, scoring 71 goals in 194 appearances. Originally with Aston Villa until 2007, Scott then played most of his football at Banbury United.

Spyros Mentis (Midfield) Versatile, hard-working and tough-tackling midfielder or defender, Spyros re-joined The Crows in 2018/19 after a season away at Hayes & Yeading, he previously played just under 100 games for us from 2013 during his first spell at Garden Walk.

Tom Newman (Midfield) Joined the Crows at the start of 2018/19, Tom has impressed when called upon and has chipped in with some useful goals from midfield.

Isa Rotimi (Midfield) Young midfielder who signed for the Crows at the beginning of season 2019/20, Isa previously spent two seasons at Colney Heath.

Dan Green (Midfield) Joined us in December 2018 from Chesham United, Dan is an experienced midfielder whose other previous clubs include St Albans City and Dunstable Town.

Brandon Adams (Forward) Signed for the Crows in 2019, Brandon previously spent four years at Queens Park Rangers which included loan deals at Malaysian club Perlis and Linfield in Northern Ireland. After leaving the R’s in 2018 Brandon dropped into non-league hoping to catch the eye of pro clubs and has certainty impressed. After a short stint at Enfield Town he moved to Ware in 2018/19 and bagged an impressive 23 league goals in 25 games.

Isaac Galliford (Forward) Previously with Hitchin Town, St Neots Town & Hemel Hempstead after starting out with Luton Town. Isaac signed for us for the beginning of last season. Whilst with The Canaries Isaac’s performances earned him an England ‘C’ call-up.

Matt Bateman (Forward) Re-joined us for the start this season from Hemel Hempstead, where he spent last season after moving from the Crows. Matt signed for the Crows at the start of season 2019/20 and scored an impressive 24 goals in 41 games during that season to earn his move to Hemel. Previous to that Matt played a big part in Berkhamsted’s push for promotion in 2018/19 where he netted 43 times in 54 appearances for The Comrades.

Harry Draper (Forward) Signed for the Crows on loan from Stevenage at the start of this season. Harry has been with Stevenage from the age of eight, he signed his first professional deal at Boro’ in summer 2019 and then spent that season on loan at Hitchin Town.

Finlay Titchmarsh (Defender) Young defender who signed for the Crows at the beginning of this season, Finlay was originally with Barnet before having spells with Staines Town and Ware.

Marcus Goldbourne (Forward) The 20-year-old pacey winger or striker came through the Stevenage U18 ranks and spent time on loan at Dunstable Town whilst on Boro`s books. Also had a brief spell in Swedish football with Ytterhagdaka IK before returning to the UK signing for Hitchin Town. In the summer he signed for Braintree Town and had a loan spell with Brightlingsea Regent.

Rhamar Garrett-Douglas (Defender) Young defender who started his career at Barnet and was a regular in their U18s. He was previously at Bishop's Stortford and has also had spells with Maldon & Tiptree and Hullbridge Sports.

Carl Mensah (Defender) 25 year-old towering central defender who joined the Crows from Welwyn Garden City at the end of November. His previous clubs include Bedford Town, Harpenden Town, Kempston Rovers, Tring Athletic, Cockfosters and Colney Heath.

Dimitrios Kyriatzis (Goalkeeper) A recent addition to the Crows squad having joined us from Bedfont Sports. Dimi's previous clubs include Brentford and Inter Leipzig.

TODAY'S OPPONENTS AFC Rushden & Diamonds Club History AFC Rushden & Diamonds was formed in 2011 following the demise of Rushden & Diamonds FC as a supporter-owned, supporter-run football club.

After a season in youth football in 2011-12 they were allocated a place in the United Counties League Division One for 2012-13 (Step 6 of Non-League Football). They gained promotion in second spot in that league at the end of their first season, and followed that with third place in the UCL Premier Division before winning the title in the 2014-15 season, backed up with the League Cup. This meant they won promotion to the Southern Football League Division One Central. In 2015-16 they finished fifth in the SL1C, reaching the playoff final and winning their County Cup. They were transferred to the Northern Premier League First Division South for the 2016-17 season where they again reached the end of season playoffs.

For 2017-18 they returned to the Southern League to play in Division One East, known as EVO-Stik League South, East, winning promotion at the end of that season to Step 3 of Non-League Football.

They now play in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

WHO ARE YA? AFC Rushden & Diamonds Player Pen Pics Jesse Akubuine 23 year old midfielder Jesse Akubuine came through the Brentford academy, and has recently had a couple of years in Scotland with Queen of the South and Cumbernauld Colts.

Fernando Bell-Toxtle 22 year old midfielder Fernando re-joined the club during the summer of 2020 following spells at Basford Utd, Grantham Town and Ilkeston Town during his studies at University in the East Midlands.

Patrick Casey Young defender who graduated to the first team squad after impressing at Academy level. Paddy spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Bugbrooke FC and has now become a regular in the Diamonds lineup. He has been rewarded with a contract for the 21/22 season.

Alex Collard Alex is a 26-year-old centre-back who joined the Diamonds at the end of November 2018 from Kempston Rovers FC. Ty Deacon 23 year old forward, Ty, recently signed for the Diamonds from Aylesbury Utd where he had been in prolific form scoring 9 goals in 10 League appearances.

Ben Diamond A talented striker, Ben made 68 appearances scoring 17 goals before leaving the Club to go travelling.

He re-joined the Club during pre-season.

Liam Dolman 33-year-old defender, who joined the club from Daventry Town during June 2014. He has made over 100 appearances for the club and has now scored 30 goals for the club.

Connor Furlong 23 year old Connor joined the Club in pre-season from Biggleswade Town FC. An attacking midfielder, he has previously played at Barton Rovers FC, St Ives Town FC and Bedford Town FC.

Ben Garwood 18 year old defender who joined the Diamonds from Notts County FC over the summer. He has also spent time at Chesterfield FC. AJ George 24 year old midfielder, who recently signed for the Diamonds having previously played for Oxford Utd, Mansfield Town and Oxford City.

Ryan Hughes 20 year old defender, Ryan joined the Diamonds following a successful loan spell from Northampton Town FC. Will Jones.

Will is a graduate from the Academy who was part of the all-conquering 2018/19 season U16 Academy squad. He made his League debut as a substitute in the game at Kings Langley in December 2019. He has signed a contract for the 21/22 season.

Charlie Nixon A product of our Academy and an U19 scholar, Charlie is a young goalkeeper who made his first team debut in pre-season.

Lorrell Smith-Phillips 25 year old striker, Lorrell joined the Diamonds from Brackley Town FC. Lorrell has scored 61 goal in 104 games during spells at Leighton Town, Arlesey Town, Biggleswade Utd and Brackley Town FC. Matt Slinn Promising midfielder signed for the Club having been released from Northampton Town Academy. He has been rewarded with a contract for the 21/22 season.

Dean Snedker 26 year old keeper who has recently joined the Club from National League side, Hemel Hempstead FC. Dean is a graduate of the Northampton Town FC scholarship and is a former England U19 keeper.

Nathan Tshikuna The 22 year old midfielder is a summer signing from Barton Rovers having impressed during pre-season.

Sam Warburton 24 year old defender who signed a contract with the club in summer. He spent last season at Corby Town FC where he made 93 appearances.

WHO ARE YA? AFC Rushden & Diamonds Player Pen Pics Gavin Hurren - Manager Gavin was appointed interim manager at the end of October then his appointment was made permanent after a couple of successful weeks in the job. He brings in a vast amount of experience having played over 10 years as a professional and having been involved with a number of clubs as a player and coach in England and Australia as well as gaining international honours at under 17 and under 19 levels. Gavin has an MSc in Sporting Directorship and holds a UEFA B licence.

Gary Birch - Assistant Manager As a coach, he has teamed up with Gavin having had previous spells together at Hednesford Town and Walsall Wood. As a striker played for Walsall, Kidderminster Harriers, Lincoln City, Chasetown and Solihull Moors.

Adam Marusiak - Goalkeeping Coach Adam played for Worcester City, Bromsgrove Rovers and Tividale amongst other clubs. Spent 2 years working with the goalkeepers for Wolverhampton Wanderers development centre before moving to America for 4 years.

Continued his coaching career back in England with Redditch United and more recently Alvechurch.

Jake Bloomer Jake is another product of our under 18s set-up who has featured with the first team. He has also been out and got games at Fairfield Villa and Sutton Coldfield Town and most recently Studley to gain more first-team experience.

Demetri Brown Demetri is an exciting talent. Previously played for Worcester City, then recently at Hereford FC. He’s hungry and eager and most importantly he works extremely hard, creates chances and will score goals for us. He is strong, powerful and very quick and what we need and the top end of the pitch Aaron Clayton Previously on Birmingham City's books, Aaron was signed following Max Beardmore's departure. He has good pedigree and has had a fantastic footballing education and fits the bill to fight for that number one spot.

Joe "JJ" Cole Previously played for Sporting season 2013/4 in the Midland Combination Premier Division and re-signed this summer. He has been in great shape and performed really well in our friendlies. He’s popular amongst the group and has stood out when he has played. He has a great footballing brain and is extremely calm on the ball. He will be a valued addition to the squad.

Emmitt Delfouneso Defender, right-back. Started with Birmingham City under 18s before moving to Nuneaton Borough, Rushall Olympic, Highgate United and Barwell. Joined Sporting this season and made his debut against Hednesford Town in the League Cup. Brother of Bolton Wanderers midfielder, Nathan.

Josh Dugmore Previously of Walsall, Everton and Birmingham City. Josh has come in and trained brilliantly. His maturity on the ball for a young lad is very impressive and he has a fantastic engine. He is a passionate attacking full-back who likes to get forward and create chances. He also knows all about the club as he is the nephew of former favourite Luke Dugmore.

Kieran Dunbar Kieran is an intelligent, attacking midfielder who can operate in several positions. He joins with lots of experience from his previous clubs such as Fleetwood Town, Stalybridge, Leamington and most recently Redditch United. He is a hard working, versatile midfield player. Tidy in possession with an eye for a pass. He enjoys getting up and down the pitch and doing both sides of the game, though currently out of action after breaking his fibula in October.

Cameron Ebbutt Previously at Birmingham City and Bristol Rovers. A versatile attacker who likes to create and move forward. Always confident when stepping up against his opponent and just wants to win games. Hopefully brings a lot of excitement to the season ahead.

Cody Fisher Previously at Stratford Town, Stourbridge, Walsall and Birmingham City previously played against us for Stourbridge.

Cody adds to the depth of the squad. A very good player who has Step Three experience Zac Guinan Signed on loan from Cheltenham Town and made his debut against Rushall Athletic. He knows where the goal is, he is a natural finisher and he will get game time to showcase his talent.

Nathan Hayward Joined Sporting 4 seasons ago after signing from Worcester City. Moved to Stourbridge for a while but now returned to Bromsgrove. A tenacious hard-working midfielder with lots of energy.

Joel Kettle Formerly at Tamworth, Solihull Moors and Sutton Coldfield Town. Joel is an experienced centre back and is excellent in both boxes and a big character. Recently made both the Club and team captain.

James Mace A huge coup for us, played over 400 games for Leamington and one of the fittest players around. He will be extremely valuable during his time at Sporting, as he is a fantastic defender and a natural leader.

Jack Newell Jack spent 10 years at Northampton since he was a small boy and had a fantastic football education, with interest from other clubs in our division. A technical midfielder who is reliable and composed on the ball, helping the team tick over in the middle of the pitch. Had loan spells with Redditch United and Corby Town when he played in the play-off final. Ákos Onódi On a long loan from Aston Villa, Ákos joined the Premiership Club in October 2018 from Győri ETO FC in his native Hungary. Initially played for the Under-18s before moving up to the Under-23s. Was the winner of the U18 2019/20 Premier League save of the season award. Made his debut for the first team against Liverpool in the FA Cup 3rd round in January 2021. Currently on the sidelines after picking up an injury training with Villa.

Vladimiro Granjal Martins (Miro) Pais A product of the Sporting under 18s team. Caught the eye of the management two seasons ago when added to the first-team squad. Miro is an exciting talent. He is a direct winger who likes to beat players with his pace and power. He’s quick, strong, got really good balance and has an eye for goal. He will get better so a really good signing Jamie Molyneux A recent arrival from Halesowen Town having had offers from other local clubs. Previously played at Hereford, Redditch United, Stratford Town, Walsall and West Bromwich Albion. A proven goal scorer and presence in the penalty area.

Roque Nchosu A former West Ham United academy player. Previously at Bowers & Pitsea, Carshalton Athletic, Wisbech Town and Biggleswade Town as well as spells in Romania and Croatia. He is also an Equatorial Guinea international player.

Josh Quaynor Starts his fourth full season at the Victoria Ground having joined from Coleshill Town. Originally signed as a left-back but was re-designed as a central midfielder. Just completed 100 appearances for the Club. Been incredible since day one, never misses training or games and gives me every ounce he has. Loyal to the Club and excellent footballer.

Will Shorrock Signed in the close season of 2018/19 season from Walsall FC. Great feet and can play in many positions, also has an eye for goal. Now back in form after suffering a serious shoulder injury.

David Solademi Plays mainly as a defender but is versatile, so will not necessarily be confined to that position. Recently been playing academy football and is a second-year scholar. Been training with Sporting for a couple of months and has definitely shown a lot of potential. Athletic, strong and has a fantastic attitude, bolstering squad options.

Liam Spink Now in his 5th season at Sporting having had spells with Redditch United and Rushall Olympic. A box to box all-round midfielder who chips in with his fair share of goals but has recently been playing at right-back, his favoured position.

Connor Taylor Been at Leamington since 2018, prior to that he played at Walsall, Nuneaton with and over 100 games for Tamworth.

A hardworking, pacey, all-rounder with an eye for goal but chips in with assists. He is strong, powerful and has really good all-round play with bags of experience; he should be hitting his prime.

Joe Willis Signed on loan from Walsall and set to run until January 2022. The 20-year-old came through the Academy at the Bescot Stadium and made his debut for the Saddlers in a Football League Trophy game in January last year. He signed his first professional contract in May 2020, before making his league debut towards the back end of the 2020/21 season. Most recently spent time on loan at National League North side Leamington.

Charlie Wise New signing from Brackley Town and former Banbury United and Corby Town defender.

Nehemia Zazi Prolific striker who is comfortable playing anywhere across the front three with an eye for goal. A direct pacey, hardworking player who joins us from Rushall Olympic where every time we played against him he caused us problems.

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Joe Welch

Ryan Easley

Ed James Brighton Asafu-Adjaye

Kelshall Jake Easley Plastics

Ronnie Henry

David Gray

Daniel Brathwaite Katherine Thompson

Scott Bridges

Luke Easley

Adam Murray

Jeff Gill

Isa Rotimi

Martin Pendrick

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Matt Bateman Brandon Adams Spyros Mentis

Martin Pendrick DFM Mick & Enid Royston Matt Clowery Toovey Plastering

Dan Newton

Graham Haggar

Josh Williams Tom Newman

Trevor & Alison Clive Deards Middlemass

Isaac Galliford

Steve Tuck

Steve Castle

Garrett Pennery

SQUADS Saturday 18th December 2021 Kick Off: 3 PM TODAY'S MATCH SPONSORS:

TODAYS OFFICIALS REFEREE: Graham Swanton ASSISTANTS: James Cantwell / Darren Lander

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Joe Welch (GK) Ed Asafu-Adjaye Daniel Brathwaite Scott Bridges Adam Murray (c) Ronnie Henry Finley Titchmarsh Harry Draper Brandon Adams Matt Bateman Isaac Galliford Tom Newman Dimitrios Kyriatzis (GK) James Brighton Fred Brown Isa Rotimi Makai Murray Dan Green Spyros Mentis Dan Newton Marcus Goldbourne Rhamar Garrett-Douglas Carl Mensah

Steve Castle / Chris Watters Scott Taylor / Amber Murray

Dean Snedker (GK) Jesse Akubuine Fernando Bell-Toxtle Patrick Casey Alex Collard Ty Deacon Ben Diamond Liam Dolman Connor Furlong Ben Garwood AJ George Ryan Hughes Charlie Nixon (GK) Will Jones Lorrell Smith-Phillips Matt Slinn Nathan Tshikuna Sam Warburton

MANAGERS SPORTS THERAPISTS

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Andy Peaks / Neil Champelovier Roisin O'Farrell