Bruno Andrade makes surprise Diamonds return three months after sacking
Bruno Andrade is an AFC Rushden & Diamonds player again - less than three months after being sacked by the club for an on-field altercation with a team-mate.
Andrade was sent off along with fellow forward Tyler Winters after the pair clashed just 20 minutes into Rushden's Pitching-in Northern Premier League clash at Loughborough Students on March 21.
Two days later the club announced that both players had been sacked for actions that 'do not reflect the standards we expect of those representing AFC Rushden & Diamonds'.
But Andrade has quickly been forgiven for his part in the altercation, with the club this weekend announcing he will once again be walking out at Hayden Road when the new season starts in August.
A club statement on announcing his surprise signing read: "AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to have fought off stiff competition to welcome Bruno Andrade back to the club.
"The club's standout performer last season with 17 goals and even more assists, Bruno is back to light up Hayden Road once again in 2026/27, and we couldn't be happier to have him in white, red and blue once again."
Andrade, who has played in the EFL for Wycombe Wanders, Stevenage and Lincoln City as well as a host of non-League clubs, was interview by the club's YouTube channel AFCRDTV and made it clear he is keen to focus on making a fresh start with the Diamonds.
"I want to say thank you to the fans, and I am obviously sorry for the incident that happened before," said the 32-year-old, who has also played for Diamonds' county rivals Kettering Town.
"But it is a new season, a clean slate, and I am ready to give my all and finish the job that I started."
The supporters' reaction to Andrade's return to the club has been overwhelmingly positive on social media, and the player outlined how much at home he feels at Hayden Road.
"It's good to be back," he said. "My connection to the fans here I couldn't fault it, and I have nothing but good things to say about the club.
"Even after leaving in what was not the greatest way, I always had that love for the club.
"From the first game I played when the fans were singing my name, and that is very important.
"I have always wanted to be loved any club I have been at, and I felt right at home here from the first time I played.
"That continued through the season, and just got stronger, and my connection to the fans got stronger as well."