Peaks makes moves as Diamonds stalwart Brown departs

Sam Brown has left AFC Rushden & Diamonds and signed for league rivals Banbury United

Andy Peaks insists it was Sam Brown’s own decision to end his long stay at AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

Peaks paid tribute to “good servant” Brown but the manager conceded he was disappointed to see the long-serving left-back leave to join Southern League Premier Central rivals Banbury United.

Brown featured in Diamonds’ first-ever senior match in 2012 and went on to make over 300 appearances for the club as he helped them rise through the divisions.

Andy Peaks and Sam Brown worked together at AFC Rushden & Diamonds for a number of years

But Peaks has moved quickly to start filling the void with Ben Ford rejoining the club while former Northampton Town defender Ryan Hughes, who had a spell on loan at Hayden Road last season, has now joined on a permanent basis.

“Sam has been good for me and he’s been good for the club,” Peaks said.

“He has played loads of games and he’s been a good servant for the club and I am obviously disappointed to see him leave.

“But it came to the stage where it wasn’t what he wanted, he wanted to explore different avenues and, as I have always said, I only want people at the club who are completely committed and want to be there.

“Sam has had good times with the club but football is football, players come and go.

“He was here for a long time and I offered him a deal which was sustainable for where we are at and he decided it was time to move on.

“Ben Ford was always going to come in anyway, not just as a left-back.

“He adds some versatility to the squad, he can play in numerous positions so that was going to happen anyway.

“He can play at left-back, Paddy Casey can play there and so can Ryan Hughes who we have signed now as well. So we have plenty of people who can play in that position depending on what system we play.”

Diamonds opened their pre-season friendly programme with a 4-0 success over Desborough Town at Moulton College last Saturday thanks to goals from Liam Dolman, summer signing Chris Wreh, Will Jones and Tom Lorraine.

Peaks’ team continue their preparations at Whitworth this weekend and the Diamonds boss said: “It was good against Desborough, I learned quite a bit about some of the trialists and the lads we have signed.

“I was delighted with how it went and I am hoping for the same against Whitworth this weekend.

“We are heading in the right direction. I am still speaking to players and we still have people to look at.”