AFC Rushden & Diamonds FA Cup debut — AFC Rushden & Diamonds FA Cup debut has arrived, and it carries the weight of a community that refused to let its football club disappear. The phoenix club, now in the eighth tier, will play in the first round proper for the first time on Saturday when they visit League One side Burton Albion. Around 2,000 travelling supporters are expected at the Pirelli Stadium, a turnout that speaks to a long recovery from the original club’s collapse in 2011.
From liquidation to a first-round landmark
The original Rushden & Diamonds, backed by the late Max Griggs, rose rapidly through non-league football in the 1990s and reached the third tier in 2003. Financial trouble after Griggs stepped away led to the club folding, and the Nene Park stadium was later demolished. Rob Usher, chairman of the phoenix club since 2022, described the loss as heartbreaking and said anger drove supporters to demand their club back. He has followed both versions of the club, first as a fan and later as a groundsman and turnstile operator. His first match was an FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town in 1998, the same season the original club went on to face Leeds United in the third round.
A cup run built from the earliest round
The current Diamonds began their run with a 5-0 win at Kimberley Miners Welfare in the extra preliminary round on 8 August. Wins over Long Eaton United, Desborough Town, Peterborough Sports, Braintree Town and Morecambe followed. Along with Stafford Rangers, they are one of only two clubs left in the competition to have started from the earliest stage. The run has earned £23,194 from the FA prize fund so far. The winners at Burton will collect £47,750, while the losers receive £15,800. The club has organised six coaches at cost price to help fans make the trip to east Staffordshire.
Billy Sharp answers the call
Billy Sharp, the Championship’s all-time record goalscorer, has reversed his recent retirement to join the squad. The 40-year-old scored his first nine professional goals while on loan from Sheffield United to the original Diamonds in 2005 and will target his 300th career goal while covering for suspended forward James Clifton. Sharp said the club made him as a player and that he has stayed in contact over recent years. He recalled manager Elliot Sandy asking whether he would consider playing, and a text message featuring an eyes emoji arriving within 20 minutes of the Morecambe result. Sharp said the opportunity felt right and that he hopes the side can cause a shock.
Sam Brown's journey from terrace to team-mate
Defender Sam Brown grew up watching the original club at Nene Park and remembers chanting Sharp’s name. He expects it to feel strange to play alongside him. Brown was part of the phoenix club’s inaugural season and has made 350 appearances across two spells. He described the journey as a rollercoaster and said the fan-owned club needs supporters to pull together to grow. For Brown, the occasion offers a chance for fans to enjoy a different kind of environment.
Volunteers at the heart of the club
Many supporters are part owners and volunteers. Teresa and David Hales, a married couple who help look after the club’s kit, spoke of their pride in everyone involved, from players to volunteers. Teresa admitted there have been difficult moments over the years but said the club is on the way up. Usher called the prospect of an upset the shock of shocks but refused to rule it out, pointing to a squad that has already produced unlikely results. He also noted that the club has come back from the brink more than once, in 2011 and again four years ago when the phoenix club faced financial trouble. His message was simple: the Diamonds are never done.
