Boss Sandy a happy man as he secures signature of Rugby Town keeper Charlie Woods
AFC Rushden & Diamonds have moved quickly to replace goalkeeper Dan Jezeph with the signing of shot-stopper Charlie Woods from Rugby Town.
The 22-year-old has made the move from Butlin Road following Rugby's relegation from the Pitching-In Nothern Premier League Midlands Division.
By switching to Hayden Road Woods will stay at Step 4, a level he has played at with his three clubs to date, Quorn, Coventry Sphinx and Rugby.
After the departure of Jezeph, Diamonds boss Elliot Sandy is delighted to bring Woods to the club, and he told @AFCRD: "Charlie is someone we were keen on last summer.
"For one reason or another, the move didn't materialise last year, so I'm glad we've been able to get it done now.
"He's a young keeper with great experience for his age.
"He knows the level well and has always impressed us when we've seen him.
"Really importantly for me, during discussions this summer he made it very clear that he wanted to play for AFC Rushden & Diamonds and to me, that is really important."
Supporters may be familiar with Woods from his appearances against the Diamonds.
During his time with Sphinx he faced the Diamonds on a number of occasions and produced several impressive performances, including saving penalties in both home and away fixtures during the 2024/25 season.
Wood's arrival at the club followed on from the news of another of the key players from last season committing their futures to the Diamonds.
David Adegbola has agreed to another campaign at Hayden Road, having been named the club's supporters' player of the year as well as the volunteers' player of the year last season.
Diamonds have also added another friendly to their pre-season campaign.
They will entertain Racing Club Warwick at Hayden Road on August 1.
That match will come just a week before the start of the Northern Premier League Midlands Division campaign, which it has been confirmed will start on August 8 - the same day as the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.
Diamonds have also learned their opponents in the NFA Hillier Senior Cup.
Sandy's side join the competition at the second round stage, and will travel to United Counties League Premier Division South side Bugbrooke on a date to be confirmed.