Diamonds could host 2018 training

Rushden & Diamonds have agreed a tie-in with MK Dons which could see the Blue Square Premier club involved in the 2018 World Cup.

The Diamonds' Nene Park ground will be used as a training base - if Stadium MK is chosen to stage matches as part of England's bid to host the tournament.

"This is great news for the club and for the whole area," said Diamonds chairman Keith Cousins.

"We are building a very good relationship with the Dons."

He continued: "Of course, the 2018 World Cup finals are a long way off and we don't even know if they'll be played in England.

At the moment international sporting bodies are looking at various sites - including our wonderful facilities

Club official Helen Thompson

"But the preparation for these major events must be put in place now.

"This is fantastic for the club going forward - and let's hope the bid is successful."

Nene Park has already been given official status as a training centre for the 2012 Olympics and the club's managing director Helen Thompson said: "At the moment international sporting bodies are looking at various sites - including our wonderful facilities.

"Obviously we're hoping football will be the main sport here but we've got authorisation for other events as well.

"For example, the British Wrestling Association have shown an interest in training at the Frontier Centre in Irthlingborough and Moulton College."