Diamonds delight as they sign attacker Clifton from rivals Doughboys

Clifton only joined the Doughboys in February, making the switch from Spalding United, but he was not on the list of retained players at the Dog & Duck at the end of the season, and he has opted to make the short trip down the A45 to play for Diamonds.

Rushden boss Elliot Sandy knows Clifton well, having played with him at three different clubs, and he believes his signing is a very good one for the Hayden Road club ahead of the new Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division season.

"Cliffy is a real coup for the club," Sandy told @AFCRD.

"He has played most of his career at a higher level and is a born winner.

"I truly believe that if we can get the best out of him, he is one of the best players in the league."

As well as playing for the Doughboys and Spalding, Northampton-born Clifton has also previously played for Brackley Town, Corby Town, Nuneaton and others.

The 34-year-old has three promotions on his CV, and is capable of playing on both midfield and attacking positions.

The news of Clifton signing on at Hayden Road comes after the news that Diamonds have also landed the highly-rated Max Prickett-Reed.

Hailing from the Rushden area, Prickett-Reed has spent the past two seasons playing in the Midlands Division for Loughborough Students.

The wing-back, who can play on either the right or left flank, was named the Students' supporters' and managers’ player of the season for 2025/26.

“I am delighted to bring Max to the club," said Sandy.

"He comes off the back of a brilliant season at Loughborough winning multiple awards.

"He's a young local lad who wants to play for the club and continue to progress and that’s exactly the type of player we want."