Stone will be working under Mark Stimson at Barnet

Rushden & Diamonds' former assistant manager Michael Stone says he expects the club to achieve greater success.

Stone is moving to League Two side Barnet as first team coach under manager Mark Stimson.

"I had fantastic time at Nene Park. Justin Edinburgh has taught me a lot," Stone told BBC Radio Northampton.

"I've got a lot to thank him, the chairman, the players and the fans. I fully believe they'll go on and achieve even more than last season."

Diamonds finished fourth in the Blue Square Premier under Edinburgh and Stone, losing in the play-off semi-final to Oxford United.

While Edinburgh has signed a contract for next season, Stone is leaving the club he joined in February 2009.

I don't think the club could have done any more to keep me Michael Stone

"Justin is obviously disappointed," Stone said.

"I'm sure he will appoint an assistant that will be absolutely fine and before long, things will continue as normal.

"Justin is one of the best young managers in this country. He's very ambitious, and the success he's achieved over the last year is testament to that."

Stone was previously manager of Wingate and Finchley, assistant youth coach at Tottenham Hotspur and an academy assistant at Nottingham Forest.

"I don't think the club could have done any more to keep me," he said.

"[Chairman] Keith Cousins has been top notch, and this was just about the right place at the right time with a step into league football."

Stone says the opportunity to work at a league club like Barnet was too good to turn down.

"The Barnet training ground is five minutes from my front door, and that means I can work for longer with the players.

"Although it was a very difficult decision to leave Rushden & Diamonds, I'm excited about this opportunity."

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