Peaks' delight as Sandy signs for Diamonds

Elliot Sandy has signed for AFC Rushden & Diamonds after being released by Kettering Town earlier this week

The frontman is now in line to make his debut in Diamonds’ showdown at Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central promotion rivals Royston Town tomorrow (Saturday).

Sandy left the Poppies on Tuesday having been restricted to mainly substitute appearances in recent weeks in the Southern League Premier Division campaign.

He has become Diamonds’ third new signing in the space of a week after two other former Poppies players - James Jepson and Jason Lee - also joined for the run-in, while Shawn Richards left the club to join Rushall Olympic last week.

Sandy struck 16 goals as he helped Kettering claim the Division One Central title last season.

And Diamonds boss Andy Peaks has described his arrival at the Dog & Duck as “a massive boost” as they chase a second successive promotion.

Diamonds now sit in third place in the table following two successive defeats.

They are three points behind leaders Kings Langley, one behind second-placed Egham Town while Royston are just below Peaks’ side in fourth.

The Diamonds boss said: “Elliot has been there and done it.

“He is a player I have admired for a long time and for him to come to us is a massive boost for the run-in.

“I am sure the fans will like him. I hope he will get us some goals between now and the end of the season.

“He knows me, he knows Paul (assistant-manager Lamb) and I am sure he will come here and enjoy his football.

“I think it is a massive coup for the club.”