A Rush and a Push

Article produced for the Gateshead v Rushden & Diamonds matchday programme 'The Tynesider' on 12th February, which has been rescheduled for 16th Apri 2011..

For those of you who also favour the other Tyneside club that play in black and white, I have a good trivia question for you - On which ground did both Les Ferdinand and David Ginola make their debuts for United?
Well I should know because I was there. The game took place on the day after my 30th birthday at the home of an upcoming Southern League club, the answer - Rushden & Diamond’s Nene Park.

The trip was an enjoyable one and the match entertaining too, Rushden succumbing to the big spending Premier League visitors 3-1, with two goals from debutant Ferdinand, with the other goal coming from a young lad called Paul Brayson (whatever became of him I wonder) with Dale Watkins replying for the hosts.

Back then it was obvious that this club was going in the right direction, having a impressive ground with the magnificent Diamond Centre, as well as a professional approach in making the club a success in an area which isn’t exactly a hotbed of football.

I spoke to a few Diamonds supporters before and after that game, most of which had a cocky air to their tone. The common consensus being that they would win promotion to the Conference over the forthcoming season (which they did) then be in the Football League the following year.

The reason for such arrogance was understandable and all down to one thing - money!
The club formed just three years earlier after a marriage of convenience between Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds, the brainchild of club chairman and benefactor Max Griggs.

The clubs financial clout came from the Griggs family, the owners of Airwair, who manufacture the famous Dr Martens “bovver boots” in nearby Wollaston in the borough of Wellingborough.(I’ve always owned a pair and currently wear the black - 8 hole edition)

Diamonds achieved Football League status, although slightly longer than anticipated, becoming part of the 92 in 2001. A great achievement within a decade of their formation with also £30m ploughed into the vast redevelopment of Nene Park

There’s a similar story developing again this season in the shape of Crawley Town, throwing cash into their “Project Promotion” push, which is quite amazing when you consider they were close to liquidation only four years ago.

Backed by owners Bruce Winfield and Susan Carter, outspoken Crawley manager Steve Evans splashed out a reported £500,000-plus in the summer, with Evans later rubbishing reports that a further £1m outlay was available if required in the January transfer window.

Crawley are flying this season, handily placed at the top of the league with games in hand which can take the Red Devils 9 points clear at the top, with the bonus of a 5th round FA Cup tie against the other Red Devils to look forward to. The promotion project looks as if it’ll be mission accomplished come the end of the season.

That pre-season friendly I attended back in July 1995 matched two clubs going for glory but from opposite ends of the scale. Newcastle came close to winning the Premier League that season while Rushden & Diamonds were well on their way to achieving their eventual goal.

The difference of course is that money doesn’t guarantee success at the highest level, but in the Non-League world it makes one hell of a difference. Rushden & Diamonds initial success proved that financial backing can make dreams can come true and Crawley Town the latest big spenders, look to be well on their way to better things.