Compared to most of their contemporaries, Rushden & Diamonds are the new kids on the block, not being founded as a club until 1991/92. The result of a merger between two clubs was the catalyst to R & Ds foundation. Rushden Town, the older of the two clubs, was founded in 1889, and the other, Irthlingborough Diamonds formed as an under eighteen side in 1946, achieving senior status in 1964. Both clubs plodded along with mixed fortunes, until the end of the 1980s, which saw a decline in the fortunes of Irthlingborough Diamonds. The Diamonds approached local businessman Max Griggs, about a possible sponsorship deal, Mr Griggs noticed that both local clubs were experiencing difficulties and brought up the idea of a possible merger. This, as you would expect, caused concern for many who opposed the deal, finally coming to their senses, in favour of a good business swim together, or sink apart plan, both clubs merged and played out of Irthlingborough Diamonds, Nene Park Ground. The ground had to be modernised to come up to the required standard, and thanks to the backing of the R Griggs Group the ground was revamped. Incidentally, the R Griggs Group is behind the very successful Dr Marten’s footwear products and they even built an Air Wair Stand, which must be very comfortable to watch the game in.
The new Nene Park held 6,440 Diamonds fans. I say held, because since my research began the club went into liquidation, and now ply their trade in the lower leagues, playing at Hayden Road, Rushden, with a capacity of 1,800. “The Diamonds” is the official nickname of the club for obvious reasons, it was either that or “The Russians” which was the nickname of Rushden Town.
The team’s badge is also a merger, this time between the two previous clubs badges. (PIC 1) R & Ds badge takes on the shape of a shield and is quartered. In the top left-hand quarter is a rampant red lion and not a red griffin, as Club Secretary David Joyce suggested in his reply to my letter. Thanks, for your help, Mr Joyce, but a griffin is only half a lion, the other half is an eagle’s head and wings. I am very grateful though for the help you provided, and I for one well know how confusing heraldry can be. The red lion is from the arms of the Sartoris family, who were given this privilege as they donated land to the Rushden Town Football and Cricket Clubs, it also features on the Rushden Town badge. (PIC 2) Also from that badge are “The Russians” former colours of red and white hoops in the bottom-right. Top right of the present badge are the cross keys of St Peter’s Church, Irthlingborough, these keys feature on Irthlingborough’s former badge. (PIC 3) The keys are displayed on a bridge that crosses the River Nene close to the Nene Park Ground, and represent the keys to heaven. The blue diamonds in the bottom-left are the former colours of Irthlingborough and also feature on the club’s old badge. The wavy line is a symbol of the River Nene, that separates the two towns of Rushden and Irthlingborough. The football on the badge is old-style and I can only imagine that is to make a new badge look a little more aged, and there is nothing wrong with that, because the badge may be new, but there is still plenty of history there. The banner beneath has the club’s initials.
Since I wrote this page R & D have disappeared off the face off the footballing earth but I don’t delete my hard work so, the club stays, as does any other club no longer in our four illustrious divisions. In 2011, the club sank, but did leave a trace thanks to the supporters who, like Wimbledon before them and Bury after them, took over the club. To celebrate their new-found status in the lower leagues they have completely changed the name, or at least the start of it, and completely changed the badge, or at least the shape of it. (PIC 4) Now known as AFC Rushden and Diamonds, the badge is now in a roundel and the club’s name is encircling the top. The date marking the reformation of 2011, is at the bottom making them even newer kids on the footballing block. Well done Rushden, and the fans that have made sure the club stays alive, and I am sure we all hope to see you back where you belong soon. The name Rushden means a rushy valley, rushy means abounding with rushes, and is from the Anglo-Saxon. R & D’s local rivals are Northampton Town and Peterborough United. For more on “The Diamonds” rush to www.diamondsfc.com
