Fans play a key role in Fairlamb's return to Diamonds

AFC Rushden & Diamonds fans played a key role in securing the return of winger Luke Fairlamb to the club.

Fairlamb was confirmed as Diamonds’ latest summer signing this week having spent the last two seasons at Brackley Town before having a brief spell at Stratford Town during pre-season.

The winger, who made 37 appearances and scored one goal during his first spell with Diamonds in the 2017/18 campaign, featured in Tuesday night’s 7-1 friendly success over Barton Rovers at Hayden Road.

In April, Diamonds launched their ‘Team Building Lottery’ with fans being invited to take part in the monthly draw with the extra funds going towards the club’s first-team budget.

And boss Andy Peaks said: “I’d like to also thank the supporters as we will be using some of the lottery which has been raised to facilitate Luke which is exactly what it was designed to do.

“I have always kept in contact with Luke after he joined Brackley and tried to get him back in during the summer.

“He’s had a re-think and feels now is a good time to come back and show how he has developed as a player.”

Fairlamb’s arrival comes after Diamonds added striker Prince Mutswunguma to their squad after a successful trial.

He scored in the recent 2-1 friendly defeat to Bedford Town and spent last season at St Neots Town where he scored nine goals in 26 matches.

Diamonds followed up their 1-1 draw at Daventry Town with that big win over Barton Rovers in midweek.

Tom Lorraine hit a hat-trick and there were further goals from Jack Ashton, Ben Ford, Christopher Wreh and a trialist.

Diamonds are due to round off their pre-season programme with a trip to National League North side Brackley Town on Saturday in a match, which will be played behind closed doors.

Peaks’ team will then have a full week to prepare for their opening Southern League Premier Central match of the season which is due to be at Nuneaton Borough next weekend.