Following weeks of speculation members of the Rushden & Diamonds Trust last night voted in favour of putting in place the arrangements to finalise the deal with Keith Cousin’s following his investment into the Club last November.

Paul Hajduk, Chairman of the Trust said “I am delighted that the majority of trust members have voted in favour of creating a new Trust allowing Keith Cousins to assume responsibility for all the land and assets at Nene Park. As a Trust Board we were really pleased to be able to reach agreement with Keith in the autumn last year, and the changes at the club over the last 10 weeks have been fantastic. Now we can move onto the next stage of rebuilding the club and supporting Keith with his plans.”

Commenting on the vote Keith Cousins was clearly pleased; “when I came to the club, initially when it was still owned by the Griggs Group, and more recently when the Trust were in control, I knew this club could go much further. These are fantastic facilities, in many cases the best for miles around, and I am pleased the Trust members have the confidence in me to take this club forward. Over the last few short weeks we have already seen significant additional investment in the club and I want to see this continue. I have been able to bring in a highly skilled, dedicated manager who is driven to succeed. Graham has been able to begin restructuring the team and I am pleased with the success that is beginning to emerge.”

Keith paid special tribute to the Trust Board; “I have been really impressed by the dedication of the board members, who we should remember, do all this additional work in their spare time. They have secured the future of the club, and without them I would not be here now.”

The next stage now is to begin the formal creation of the new Trust that will play a key role in supporting the club. However, it will be without Paul Hajduk, who understandably, has decided to stand down. Paul added “it’s been a long time since I have been able to enjoy football at Nene Park without worrying about the situation at the club. I’ve enjoyed my time but quite frankly I’m exhausted.” Rushden & Diamonds Chief Executive, Helen Thompson, paid her own special thanks to Paul; “he has lead the Trust through a tremendous period of change and has built the foundations for the future success of the club. He has done this at the expense of his own business and we should all be very grateful for Paul’s hard work and dedication. I’m sure he’ll enjoy a well earned rest,”

Diamonds are away to table topping Dagenham & Redbridge this Saturday before returning home against St. Albans on Saturday 17 February.

Issued: 8 February 2007

Contacts: Canon Roger Knight: 01933 319001 / David Taylor: 07786277110