Edinburgh is a former Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth defender

Rushden and Diamonds have surprised their own club board with their on-field success this season.

Diamonds have already secured a place in the Blue Square Premier play-offs.

Chief executive Helen Thompson told BBC Radio Northampton: "[Chairman] Keith Cousins and I didn't think we'd be talking about being in the play-offs.

"Justin Edinburgh had his budget reduced by about 50% compared to last year. The team is over-achieving and it has all come as a bit of a surprise."

She continued: "Our budget is the fourth lowest in the Conference, so it's absolutely fantastic."

Thompson praised the work being done by manager Justin Edinburgh, who took over from Garry Hill in February 2009.

She said: "He was a high achiever as a player, and that strength and capability has gone with him into management.

"We've had four years of awful football, if we're honest. But now we're enjoying and supporting being in the play-offs."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version