Peaks 'disappointed' as duo swap Diamonds for St Ives

Andy Peaks admitted he was “disappointed” after Nathan Hicks and Nabil Shariff decided their futures lay away from AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
By Jon Dunham
Published 9th Jul 2020, 07:45 BST
Updated 9th Jul 2020, 07:50 BST
AFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Andy PeaksAFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Andy Peaks
AFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Andy Peaks

Hicks was a notable absentee from Diamonds’ retained list, which came out a couple of weeks ago and the midfielder has now chosen to sign for St Ives Town.

And he will be playing alongside Shariff again next season after the frontman also signed for the Ives, despite having already been named as one of the players Diamonds had retained for next season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It means both are set to face their former club in the Southern League Premier Central in the next campaign whenever it gets under way.

Nabil Shariff has signed for St Ives after initially being included on AFC Rushden & Diamonds' retained listNabil Shariff has signed for St Ives after initially being included on AFC Rushden & Diamonds' retained list
Nabil Shariff has signed for St Ives after initially being included on AFC Rushden & Diamonds' retained list

And while Peaks was disappointed to see them depart Hayden Road, he insists he will still be putting together the best team he possibly can by the time the big kick-off comes around.

“I am obviously disappointed to lose both players,” the Diamonds boss said.

“That’s the sort of thing that can happen at this time of year, especially when we are in a situation where there is no start date. It happens and it is frustrating.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But players come and go in football. I will always try to put together the best team I possibly can.

“We can’t compete with some clubs financially but what we think we can attract players on the name of the club and by the way we run things.

“We have always had decent teams here and I am sure we will again. It is disappointing but players come and go. There are others I am talking to.”

Another player who won’t be returning to Hayden Road next season is striker Jordan Macleod.

The frontman, who joined Diamonds from Deeping Rangers in the last campaign, will also line up against his former club next season after signing for Peterborough Sports.