The Grounds That Shaped Our Journey – From Raunds to Hayden Road
AFC Rushden & Diamonds, formed in 2011 after the collapse of the original Rushden & Diamonds FC, has always been a community-driven Club. But in football, identity isn’t just about the badge or the players — it’s about having a place to truly call home. The Club’s journey across various grounds highlights why securing a permanent stadium remains such an urgent priority.
Nene Park – The Lost Fortress (1992–2011)
The original Rushden & Diamonds FC were born out of the 1992 merger of Irthlingborough Diamonds FC and Rushden Town FC, playing at the purpose-built Nene Park. At its height, it was one of the finest grounds in non-league football, hosting Championship sides in the FA Cup and even training sessions for the 2012 Olympics.
But when the Club folded in 2011, Nene Park’s fate was sealed. Derelict and eventually demolished in 2017, the ground is now only a memory, leaving a huge gap in the local footballing landscape.
Kiln Park, Raunds – Starting Again (2011–2012)
When AFC Rushden & Diamonds rose from the ashes, the Club needed somewhere to play quickly. The first senior season saw a temporary groundshare at Kiln Park, Raunds, a functional base while the Club found its feet.
The Dog & Duck, Wellingborough – A Familiar Stop gap (2012–2017)
From 2012, the Diamonds settled at the Dog & Duck Ground in Wellingborough, sharing with Wellingborough Town FC. Supporters quickly made it feel like home, and the ground witnessed the phoenix club’s rise through the lower leagues.
However, the arrangement was never truly secure. By 2017, lease complications forced Diamonds to move on.
Hayden Road, Rushden – Back to the Roots (2017–Present)
Since 2017, the Club has shared Hayden Road with Rushden & Higham United FC. This ground, steeped in history as the home of Rushden Town FC before the 1992 merger, has given Diamonds a local base once more.
Yet, while cherished, Hayden Road has significant limitations in terms of capacity, facilities, and long-term sustainability. It is a practical compromise, not the ambitious, permanent home a Club of this size deserves.
Chelveston Road – The Missed Opportunity
In November 2018, AFC Rushden & Diamonds announced a breakthrough: Heads of Terms had been agreed with the Duchy of Lancaster for land along Chelveston Road. The site offered the prospect of a purpose-built community stadium — a long-term vision that could have finally ended the nomadic existence.
Sadly, despite the excitement, progress stalled, and the Chelveston Road project never moved beyond the agreement stage.
The Failed Return to the Dog & Duck (2024)
In April 2024, members voted overwhelmingly (89%) to support a return to the Dog & Duck. It was seen as a way to stabilise the Club financially and buy time to plan a long-term home.
But the deal unravelled. The promised ten-year lease became only three years, and the Board concluded it would be reckless to uproot without real security. The return was abandoned, leaving Diamonds once again at Hayden Road.
Why Diamonds Need Their Own Ground
Across more than a decade, AFC Rushden & Diamonds have:
- Played at four different grounds.
- Lost out on the chance to secure their own site at Chelveston Road.
- Seen a return to the Dog & Duck collapse due to lease insecurity.
- Been left dependent on groundshares, each with limits and risks.
The lesson is clear: without a permanent, purpose-built home, the Club will always be vulnerable.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds deserve a stadium that reflects their ambitions, secures their future, and gives supporters a lasting place to belong.
