Burgess has been linked with a possible move to play in Cyprus

Rushden and Diamonds have revealed that club captain Andy Burgess, player-coach Chris Hope and midfielder Marcus Kelly are all set to leave Nene Park.

Manager Justin Edinburgh is likely to part company with the trio because of financial constraints.

"It's no secret that the budget has been cut and I've got to work within it," said Edinburgh, whose full-time appointment was confirmed last month.

"There won't be the money that's been spent in the last couple of years."

He added: "Those three players have been first-class and thoroughly professional since I've been here. I couldn't ask for any more from them.

"But I understand they have to make decisions. People have to earn the best living for themselves and at the moment we can't meet some of those needs.

"Now we're looking for young, hungry players who want to be here for the right seasons. We need an injection of different people at the club."

Burgess, 27, began his career with the Diamonds and returned to the club in 2007 after a spell with Oxford United.

Hope, 36, joined Rushden from Gillingham three years ago, while 23-year-old Kelly came through the club's youth set-up.

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