Peaks stays on as starlet Jones bags a contract with Diamonds

AFC Rushden & Diamonds returned for pre-season training this week as they begin to build towards the new Southern League Premier Central campaign.

And the club’s first order of business was to secure the services of manager Andy Peaks for another campaign.

Peaks has signed a new contract which commits him to the club for the 2021-22 season.

The Diamonds boss said: “It’s been a challenging couple of seasons but I’m pleased the club has shown their confidence in me to continue our journey in the Southern League.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to start and complete the new season without any interruptions.

“The players have reported back for pre-season training and I’ll be looking at them all over the next few weeks in training and in the friendlies. I’m looking forward to getting going.”

Peaks expects the vast majority of the squad that was in place for the curtailed 2020-21 campaign to stay on at Hayden Road and the club have moved quickly to put youngster Will Jones on a contract.

Jones was spotted by Peaks at academy trials aged just 14.

He quickly became an integral part of the academy as he progressed through the year groups. Jones was part of last season’s successful Under-18 squad that finished the season unbeaten in the Midland Junior Premier League and won the Northants Senior Youth League’s Jaymann Shield, scoring an impressive 29 goals in just 16 matches.

Peaks said: “Will is a very exciting prospect who has attracted interest from many other clubs so I’m delighted to be able to give him a contract.

“He has massive potential and came through our academy before breaking into the first team squad last season where we saw flashes of that potential.

“He can concentrate on developing his game and, with his excellent attitude and desire to be the very best he can be, I’m sure we’ll see more of what he is capable of this season.”