Diamonds boss Elliot Sandy believes Sam Brown return is the 'final piece of the jigsaw'
AFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Elliot Sandy believes the signing of club legend Sam Brown is the 'final piece of the jigsaw' in terms of his summer rebuild at Hayden Road.
Experienced left-back Brown previously won three promotions in a Diamonds shirt on his way to racking up a whopping 334 first team appearances.
He played in National League North for Bedford Town last season, but has now returned to Hayden Road, and Sandy could not be happier with his ninth new signing of the summer.
"We're really pleased to bring Sam back to the club," the Diamonds boss told @AFCRD.
"He's an experienced player who knows what this club is about and what it means to represent AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
"Left-back was a position we wanted to strengthen this summer, and Sam was the outstanding option.
"He brings quality, experience and consistency, and he'll be a big asset for us both on and off the pitch.
"I'm sure everyone connected with the club will be pleased to see him back, and we're looking forward to working with him again."
Sandy believes he has now completed his recruitment ahead of the new season, and he added: "This is Sam's club and this is where he wants to be.
"Him coming here is the final piece of the jigsaw, because I feel the squad is complete now.
"We have the group, we have to work with them, and the lads have to take their opportunities to shine in pre-season because we have a lot of competition for places.
"We have a really good group, and a good squad."
Brown's return to the club will offer him the chance to become the club's all-time appearance record holder for Diamonds, a position currently held by Garry Butterworth, who played 371 times.
Brown wasn't the only new signing made by Sandy last week, as just days before he also landed another former Diamonds man in defender Sidik Atcha, who makes the move from fellow Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division side Barwell.
Sandy said: "I've known Sidik for a long time and have always admired his qualities.
"He's an experienced defender who knows this level inside out, and he'll bring real strength, presence and competition to the squad. We're really pleased to bring him to the football club."
As well as having previously played for Diamonds, Sidik has also featured for the likes of Harborough Town and Belper Town.
As well as the signings of Brown and Atcha, the club has also confirmed the retention of Curtis Hartley.