Sandy joy as striker Thorpe signs on at Diamonds and key trio agree new deals
AFC Rushden & Diamonds have made their first new signing of the summer in the shape of St Neots Town striker Rhys Thorpe.
Boss Elliot Sandy says he is 'delighted' to have landed a player that he believes will add a real 'physical presence' as well as goals to his forward line for the 2026/27 Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division campaign.
The 28-year-old was a standout player for the Saints last season, but he couldn't prevent the Cambridgeshire side's relegation back to the United Counties League.
In 108 games for St Neots Thorpe netted 54 goals, and he was on target in his side's 3-2 win over Diamonds last October.
Prior to his St Neots stint, Thorpe successful spells with Eynesbury United, Eaton Socon and Eynesbury Rovers.
When St Neots won the UCL 12 months ago, Thrope scored more than 30 goals.
Diamonds have fought off interest from a number of clubs at Step 4 to snap up Thorpe, and Sandy is very happy about that.
“I am delighted to bring Rhys to the football club," said Sandy.
"He will add a real physical presence at the top end of the pitch, and his goal record speaks for itself.
"Just as importantly, he is a leader both on and off the pitch, exactly the type of character we want to bring to this football club.
"We’re excited to welcome him and look forward to seeing the impact he can make.”
The news of Thorpe's signing comes in a week that has also seen Sandy retain the services of a trio of key players ahead of the new campaign.
Jack Daldy, Tarik Dallas and Tejan Thomas have all agreed to stay on at Hayden Road, with all three playing significant roles as Diamonds secured a 12th-placed finish last season.
Diamonds have also announced that Nathan Gaunt is rejoining the club's staff as goalkeeping coach.
Gaunt previously worked with the club's goalkeepers, from the academy through to the first team, between the years of 2012 and 2022.
Meanwhile, Diamonds will travel to play United Counties League side Sileby Rangers in the first round of the NFA Hillier Senior Cup next season. The date for the clash has yet to be confirmed.