'Plenty of smiles' as Diamonds return to the training ground

Diamonds' squad have trained together for the first time since March
Joel Gyasi is put through his paces, watched by assistant-manager Neil Champelovier as AFC Rushden & Diamonds returned to training on Tuesday. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImagesJoel Gyasi is put through his paces, watched by assistant-manager Neil Champelovier as AFC Rushden & Diamonds returned to training on Tuesday. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages
Joel Gyasi is put through his paces, watched by assistant-manager Neil Champelovier as AFC Rushden & Diamonds returned to training on Tuesday. Picture courtesy of HawkinsImages

Andy Peaks was pleased to see “plenty of smiles” as he got his AFC Rushden & Diamonds squad back together this week.

The Diamonds players returned for a training session on Tuesday night with Peaks planning to hold one weekly session until they receive the go ahead to get on with a full pre-season programme.

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And that might not be too far away with Southern League clubs being told this week that it is hoped the new campaign will be starting towards the middle or end of September.

But Peaks was pleased to have his players back together for the first time since March as the plans for the next Premier Central season get started.

“It was a good little session and it was good to see the boys back,” the Diamonds boss said.

“The spirit was good, there were plenty of smiles and we will be doing a session a week until we get a bit more guidance on how we can step it up.

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“Most of them looked like they have been keeping themselves in shape, which was pleasing.

“We didn’t push it too far, it was more of a get-together to blow the cobwebs away.

“It looks like we will be aiming for the middle of September, which would be great if that’s the case.

“We will effectively be six weeks behind where we would normally be so we will backdate everything and we will be ready to go for the middle of September. It’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel for everyone.”

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Diamonds, meanwhile, added a new signing to their squad this week with the arrival of goalkeeper Richard Walton from league rivals Tamworth.

And Peaks is hoping he will provide big competition for regular starter Ben Heath.

“Richard is someone I have known for a few years,” the Diamonds manager added.

“He is a very good goalkeeper and it was important we got someone else in alongside Ben.

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“We have young Luke Monroe who is going to be a really good keeper and he is good back up.

“But Ben, as all players do, needs someone really pushing him. I believe he played his best football last year when he had Niall Cooper knocking on his door.

“We want competition for places and Richard certainly adds to that.”