FanStand

Two of Diamonds

RDFC Fans Blog — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:59:04 +0000

Name: Two of Diamonds

Age: 45

First Game: 1970 as I’boro’ D’s, versus unknown. 1992 as R & DFC 1st match versus Bilston

Watching Position: PDB

Favourite Diamonds Kit: I quite like the current one

Other Favourite Clubs: I’boro’ Working Men’s Club! No other football types.

Funniest Moment watching Diamonds: Michael Rankine’s “moo cow” goal against Aldershot in the SS final

Best Goal Scored: Billy Sharpe’s winner against the Cobbs

Best Conceded: Ainsworth’s two for QPR at NP

Best Games: the 5 -v- 3 home win against Enfield as we were losing 3 -v- 1 and the play-off final at the Millennium Stadium

Worst Games: The awful surrender away at Cheltenham with Ernie Tippett in charge and the beating at home to Colchester when I left after their 3rd goal went in (20 minutes?)

Favourite Manager: Talbot, complete professional

Favourite Ever Player: As I’boro’ D’s – Peter Phipps (winger), as R & DFC – Darren Collins

Favourite Current Player: Lee Tomlin

Best Opposisiton Player: Warren Patmore (Yeovil), always had a blinder against us

Best Current Opposisiton Players: James Constable, Steve Morrison

All time RDFC XI: Ashdown, Underwood, Warburton, Bradshaw, Bignot, Hall, McElhatton, Butterworth, Kirkup, Collins, Lowe

What are you hoping for next season? (’09-’10): Top ten / play-offs

Matt Redan

RDFC Fans Blog — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:08:49 +0000

Mikolanda.

Name – Matt Reddan
Age – 18
First Game – Leyton Orient Home 2005.
Years Following Rushden – 4/5 (Since 2004/5)
Watching Position – Occasionally PDB
Favourite Away Ground: Any, aslong as there is a good fan atmosphere.
Favourite Rushden kit: 98/99 Home
Other Favourite Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur
Least Favourite Clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea and K*ttering
Funniest moment watching the Diamonds: The linesman having to keep his arm up for ages because the referee didn’t see him, It was such a funny moment if you was there.
Best Goal scored: Any Rushden Goal
Best Goal conceded: Any Non-Rushden Goal
Favourite Game – Oxford 5-0.
Worst Game – Bristol away, too long journey.
Favourite Manager: Barry Hunter
Favourite Ever Player: Tony Stokes/ Petr Mikolanda
Favourite Current Player: Lee Tomlin
Best Opposition Player (Ever): Seol Ki-Heun(sp?)(Reading)

And finally… What are you hoping for next season?

League Position: Top 6
FA Cup: As far as we can get
FA Trophy: Win?
Setanta Shield: Who Cares?

Rhys “Godber” Hanson

RDFC Fans Blog — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:47:04 +0000

Name-Rhys aj Hanson
Age-17
First Game-cant remember but it was 97
Years Following Rushden-11
Watching Position-back of the PDB
Favourite Away Ground: burton
Favourite Rushden kit-current home kit
Other Favourite Clubs-man city
Least Favourite Clubs-man utd,leeds
Funniest moment watching the Diamonds-rankine trying an over head kick
Best Goal scored-burgess vs hull
Best Goal conceded-QPR’s 1 & 2nd goal in the 3-3 draw
Favourite Game-Wrexham away 08
Worst Game-Boston away when we went down
Favourite Manager-Brain Talbot diamonds, Joe Royle all time
Favourite Ever Player:Tom Shaw diamonds….Niall Quinn
Favourite Current Player-Dale Roberts
Best Opposition Player (Ever)-any off the brighton team vs us at NP
All-time Diamonds XI-divison 3 winning side
And finally… What are you hoping for this season-Hill to be sacked and a push for play offs

Alex “Lesta Diamond”

RDFC Fans Blog — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:56:31 +0000

Name : Alex

Age : 17

First Game : Rushden vs Leicester pre-season in about 1997 ( my mates dad took me and his lad to the game as they were leicester fans but i preferred rushden instead and have never looked back ha ha)

Years Following Rushden: about 11

Watching Position : Debanke first crash barrier in the centre if possible)

Favourite Away Ground: hate to say it but ket***ing because of the memories even tho it is a dump. Also I quite liked Lincoln’s

Favourite Rushden kit : loved the 2004-2005 home kit Billy wheeling away after scored against wobblers might have helped

Other Favourite Clubs : just rushden for me please. but do watch Villa Real when on holiday

Least Favourite Clubs : Ket***ing, Have a strange hatred for Arsenal as well

Funniest moment watching the Diamonds : The Burton physio cracked me up. He was a state

Best Goal scored : Super Billy Sharp scoring against Northampton Town. Dreamt of that for about a week after

Best Goal conceded : No such thing….

Favourite Game : Has to be the Northampton game for me… Billy what a hero (dont hear enough about him from Diamonds fans )

Worst Game :losing to Boston in 2005 to comfirm going down

Favourite Manager : Old bignose was the glory days but the spirit of the team under Hunter I loved

Favourite Ever Player: got a few Belly, Unders, Sharpy, Duane Darby and used to think Turley was the dogs chogs before he did drugs

Favourite Current Player : Mazza is a hero

Best Opposition Player : Dave Kitson

All-time Diamonds XI :
………………………Turley
Mustafa…..Hunter…..Hatswell…..Unders
Hall…………Macca …….Belly………Burge
…………….Darby……….Lowe

And finally… What are you hoping for this season : Mr Hill to lose his job and to challange for the playoffs

RBurlin

RDFC Fans Blog — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:41:12 +0000

*Interview originally from 2007-2008 season*

rburlin_880 has kindly agreed to take part in the latest edition of Eye on the Terrace. He started watching the Diamonds casually during our 98/99 “Leeds” season but, since the 01/02 season, he has missed just two home games (which can be excused, as he was in hospital at the time!). He does not get to many away games, but he assures me that as soon as he can drive he will attending as many games as possible… He travels from Milton Keynes for each home game, and he currently sits in the South Stand (after initially frequenting in the Airwair).

That goal…

So….it’s been a rollercoaster few years. What has been your highest point as a Diamonds fan?
I’ve enjoyed the entire journey, up and down! However, one moment that sticks out for me is when Mr. Hall bundled that one in at home to Hartlepool at the end of the 02/03 season.

And your lowest point?
Our relgations…

In recent years it’s been somewhat of a struggle supporting the team. Have you ever considered just stopping?

No….I don’t think I will ever stop!

If you could re-live one match from Rushden’s (admitedly short) history, which game would it be?

When we won 2-1 at Tranmere.

Who did you vote for in the recent “All-Time Diamond” survey?

Duane Darby.

Where do you see the club in 5 years time?

I would like to see us in the Championship, ahead of the Wobblers and McDons! On a serious note I see us as a lower League 2 side.

Garry Hill has come under some criticism recently. The club has failed to live up to its expectations, despite a good group of players. Do you have faith in him?

Although I disagree with many of his team selections, yes, I do.

With no chance of real success in the league this term, what do you want from the players for the remainder of the season?
I ask that the players entertain us and show some passion…. and look like they enjoy playing for the club.

What are your views on the Poppies potential promotion?
I hope they are promoted, it would be great to stick five past them, a la Oxford!

(Thus far) who has been your player of the season?
I would give it to Burgess. As soon as we solve the problem with his position, he will be a class act. He has already shown some flashes of brilliance…

Russ, Barton, DW

RDFC Fans Blog — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:39:43 +0000

Russ, who is 26, has been supporting the Diamonds since the early days. After initially just attendaing the odd game with friends, he became a regular in the ’94/’95 season. As he put it himself he had found his club, and has never looked back. He has stood in the DeBanke since the ground became segregated, but before, he had switched ends at half-time.

Alex “BartonRaz” Raspin has been going to Nene Park since December ’96, the year that the Diamonds played in the Conference for the first time, and the season when Brian Talbot took charge. For the last 7 years he has frequented the same seat in the South stand.

“Diamond Warrior” has been visiting Nene Park since 1994, and at one stage had a season ticket in the Airwair Stand. Since it closed he hasn’t had a season ticket, due to time taken up by his bowling exploits. Whenever he can visit he sits in the South Stand. He has enjoyed work experience with Radio Diamonds, and was also on the Diamond Minor Shadow Commitee.

Happy New Year to you all. In a word, 2007 was….

Dissapointing!

An underachievement…

-Strange… It went from Graham Westley bringing in about 10 players (half of which didn’t get a game), to him being sacked for an inexplicable reason. After all the hype of pre-season nothing’s changed.

–

Still, the year has had it’s fair share of memorable moments. Your favourite?

Meeting Billy Turley at the ‘Night with the Champions’ event, and having a good old chat about the Oxford game. It was brilliant to hear his views on the oxford defence that night!

I enjoyed the short run of good home results we got. (5-0 vs. Solihul, 5-0 vs. Oxford, 3-1 vs. Macclesfield) It shows we do have what it takes to be a good side battling for promotion. If only we could play like that every week….

I would have to say the Oxford game. A match like that only comes about ever 2 or 3 seasons. Although Burton away comes a close second.

–

….and your worst moment?

I will have to go for the poor performance we gave at home against Histon. I was working with Radio Diamonds this day, and although that was enjoyable, the atmosphere at the game was terrible.

The Westley saga! Why he had to go I’ll never know. He had us playing football, and beating good sides. I don’t remember him headbutting anyone!

–

Who do you think has performed the best over the past year?

It has got to be Jacko. Without his goals we would have struggled.

Simeon. I really hope we can keep hold of him.

The only player who has really performed consistantly for me is Simeon Jackson. Woodhouse was fantastic last season but seems to have gone off the boil somewhat this term.

With play-offs now seemingly out of reach, what do you want from the team in 2008?

Passion, commitment, consistency, and some good football.

A good second half of this season, perhaps finishing one or two places off the play-offs, and some new players coming in during the transfer window who can push the current squad for positions.

I guess I just want good football for a change, it would be great to see all our players playing to their undoubted potential week in week out, rather than spazmonically displaying it like against Solihull, Oxford, and Macclesfield.

Which opposing team has impressed you the most this year?

Two clubs have impressed me the most, but for different reasons; Histon and FGR. The latter are one of the best attacking teams I have seen in a long time, which considering their league position is outstanding. Histon really play for the shirt, and really put some of our gutless players to shame.

Forest Green have impressed me, which surprised me as they haven’t been much of a threat in recent years. They looked a good footballing side when I saw them.

Who will win the BSP this season?

I think Torquay will overcome the 4 point gap during the second half of the season and overtake Aldershot. I think the Shots still have it in them to win the play-offs, though.

I think Aldershot will win it. I think Torquay will fail to go staight back up, as most teams find it hard, and I think that Stevenage will win the play-offs (although after seeing them over the Xmas period I’m not too sure now!)

Sturman

RDFC Fans Blog — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:37:51 +0000

My name is Sturman, I am 16 years and I have supported Rushden for about 8 year’s now. I currently stand in the Debanke, but I used to sit in the Airwair. After the closure I moved, and I have to say that I have enjoyed the Debanke much more than the Airwair.

*Interview originally from 2007-2008 season, although surprisingly still relevant!*-

Why are we underachieving this term?
Many reasons I think. For a start, we are a team that relies heavely on confidence. When we are high on confidence we can destroy teams, for example the 5-0 scorelines versus Solihull and Oxford, and the 3-1 win against Macclesfield which knocked them out of the cup. At other times, when we have lacked confidence, one bad result just leads to another.

Is Garry Hill the right man for the job?
Sometimes I’ll say yes, and at other times I’ll say no. He seems to be good in the transfer market, and has picked up some great bargains in Howell, Foster and Macca, who are all good players in my eyes. He’s done well bringing Burgess back to the club, and signing players like Osano. But I think, at times, he lets himself down. We all know what happened at Salisbury, and that just gave out a negative impression on our club. What advice would I give him? Play Burgess in his best posititon, on the left wing, and give Tom Shaw a chance, he’s got great potential in my eyes.–

——–What should our starting XI be?
—————————————Nicholls
—————————–Osano Hope Gulliver Howell
————————–Kelly Woodhouse Challinor Burgess
———————————–Jackson McAllister

Which player would you like to see leave Nene Park?
There are a few players I don’t rate, for example Bastock, Hatswell and El Khoti. El Khoti has never looked very impressive, and always gets caught out, so maybe him.

Right, prediction time. Where will we be come the end of the season?
Heart says a late play-off push, head says an underachieving mid-table finish.

And who will be BSP Champions?
A difficult question to answer… there are a lot of good teams in this league and on most days anyone can beat anyone. I have seen Aldershot, Torquay, Burton, Cambridge and Forest Green play this season and for me Torquay have stood out the most. They had so many quality options up front that they can score for fun, although they are a bit shaky at the back. Aldershot looked good as well put we outplayed them and were unlucky to not get a draw to even a win. I think Torquay have enough experience and class to overtake them.
-
What has been your highest point of the season so far?
The 5-0 demolition of Oxford was bloody brilliant! The atmosphere was amazing that night… another highpoint would be the 15 minutes during which we held the lead against Bristol Rovers.
-
And your lowest?
The defeat at Northwich without a doubt, it was an awful performence against an awful team. Or our inability to beat teams like Crawley, Gray’s or Stafford, games we should really be winning.

DiamondGeezer

RDFC Fans Blog — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:35:23 +0000

I’m diamond_geezer1, and I am 25 years old. I have supported Rushden & Diamonds for 15 years. During those 15 years I have frequented The North Stand, The South Stand, The Airwair Stand and for the past 7 years The De-Banke Terrace.

First game at Nene Park?
I can’t re-call who we played, but it was way back in the Beazer Midland League days. I do remember that Kevin Fox was in goal.

You’ve seen literally hundreds of players….who is your all-time favourite?
It’s got to be the great Duane Darby! Ok, he wasn’t the fastest player in the world, but I admired his never-say-die attitude. His hatred of the Poppies helped, too!

We’ve found in Simeon Jackson a prolific and consistent goalscorer, yet people still reminise about Billy Sharp. Who do you prefer?
That’s a tough one, both are quality players! Imagine a Sharp/Jackson partnership…

On the topic of goalscorers, which Diamonds goal is your favourite?
Simple… it has to be the Billy Sharp goal against the Wobblers. I have never experienced anything like it before, the DeBanke was literally falling over itself!

I guess your favourite match is…
Yep, the one against the Wobblers, simply because their fans were saying we were going to get beaten. It’s always nice to prove them wrong!

Is Garry Hill the right man for the job? We have a good enough bunch of players, yet we find ourselves 17th at the Christmas break.
I’m undecided about this. At times we have played out of our skins, but we’ve also lost to teams we should really be beating (Northwich etc.) I wasn’t overly confident when he was appointed manager.

Now, to our goalkeeper problem. Paul Bastock or Paul Nicholls? Neither have proven reliable this season…
Paul Nicholls for me, I never feel confident when Bastock is between the posts…all he does is moan at the players, and blame them for his mistakes, whereas Nicholls encourages the team.

If you had one piece of advice to give to Garry Hill, what would it be?
To actually play the players in their best positions.

Right, fantasy football time. Dream XI?
Ashdown, Osano, Hunter, Peters, Underwood, Hall, Burgess, Butterworth, Sharp, Jackson

Come the end of the season we will be…
Hopefully in the play-offs after a great run of form, but more than likely a mid-table finish. Again.

What’s your favourite terrace song?
“Hi Ho Rushden Diamonds”

Funniest thing you’ve seen at Nene Park?
Many years ago, in our Beazer Home League days, an opposition player had a shot that missed the goal. All of a sudden this woman jumped up cheering and shouting, before realising what had actually happened. She sat down to a lot of laughter from our fans!

Jaff

RDFC Fans Blog — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:26:34 +0000

Name: Jaff, Wasim, Big Al..

Age: 19

First Game: Vs Southport (H) 1996/97.

Watching Position: Back of DeBanke.

Favourite Diamonds Kit: Conference Winning OS White Home Kit 1999.

Other Favourite Clubs: N/A

Funniest Moment watching Diamonds: Far too many really (Tiesto is usually the instigator behind these moments), But I’d say Aldershot last home game of last season has to be up there.

Best Goal Scored: Burgess (first goal) vs Hull City, Countless Onandi Strikes or Paul Halls equaliser in Wales.

Best Conceded: Ditto, Ainsworth’s Volley..Phwoarrr!

Best Game: Either Diamonds 3-2 Cobblers, 5-5 vs Farnborough or 5-4 Grantham Town.

Worst Game: Rushden 1-1 Rochdale

Favourite Manager: Graham Westley

Favourite Ever Player: Paul Hall

Favourite Current Player: Curtis Osano

Best Opposisiton Player: Harry Kewell

Best Current Opposisiton Players: Scott Bevan, Luke Foster, Aarron Webster, Lee Mansell, John McGrath, Steve Morrison.

All time RDFC 11

GK: Ashdown

RB: Bignot
LB: Underwood
CB: Warburton
CB: Hunter

RM: Hall
CM: Butterworth
CM: McElhatton
LM: Burgess

ST: Lowe
ST: Sharp

Subs:

Mustafa
Peters
Wardley
Bell
Darby

What are you hoping for this year:

League: 5th
Trophy: Winners
FA Cup: N/A
SS: N/A

RushdenRuss

RDFC Fans Blog — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:23:46 +0000

Barry Hunters Barmy Army

Name rushdenruss

AgE 28

First Game vs rugby home 1993

Years Following Rushden 15 years

Watching Position debanke, used to stand down the east end before the airwair

Favourite Rushden kit the fila one we won the conference with

Other Favourite Clubs none really but my old man used to take me watford!

Least Favourite Clubs K*ttering, northampton, cheltenham, kidderminster

Best Goal scored paul hall vs cheltenham at the millenniumm for the brilliance of the run, but for sheer celebration factor ill go for billy sharp vs n’ton home

Best Goal conceded ainsworth qpr home (either goal)

Favourite Game rochdale away 3rd div playoff semi

Worst Game Cheltenham home (nuff said)

Favourite Manager barry hunter. although not tacticly brilliant you always got 100% from the team and we played some good stuff at times (compared to todays standard). we also beat the cobblers under barry.

Favourite Ever Player: predictable i know but it has to be duane darby.

Favourite Current Player osano. looks the most likely to create somthing in todays line up

All-time Diamonds XI

GK ASHDOWN
RB BIGNOT
CB WARBURTON
CB HUNTER
LB UNDERWOOD
RM HALL
CM BUTTERWORTH
CM McELHATTON
LM KIRKUP
ST DARBY
ST COLLINS

SUBS
GK TURLEY
RB MUSTAFA
CM BURGESS
RM BELL
ST LOWE

MANAGER BRIAN TALBOT
ASSISTANT BARRY HUNTER

now THATS a side!

And finally… What are you hoping for this season?
playoffs. said it from day one and still hope we can do it but its looking incresingly unlikely.
but if harry hill f**k off and someone with half a brain takes over they could be a realistic goal