Burgess seals "dream move"
Andy Burgess has backed Rushden & Diamonds for a play-off place next season – but insists Luton Town will bounce back with promotion into the Football League.
The midfielder has left Nene Park for the second time, signing a two-year deal at the Hatters following a couple of seasons with Diamonds on his return from Oxford United.
Burgess admitted: "It's a dream move and fantastic for me. But it's also a weird one.
"Diamonds offered me a new contract but unfortunately that would have meant a massive pay-cut and I have to look after myself.
"I wasn't able to stay and thankfully Luton came in.
"Everybody knows my family are from Luton and we all support the club.
"So I'm delighted with the deal and I'm sure we can go straight back up.
"It's different for Luton coming down as a mid-table League Two side without that points deduction.
"We're also looking to add seven or eight players to that squad.
"Hand on my heart, I'm disappointed to leave Diamonds again because I've had a great time. I enjoyed playing for Garry Hill and Justin Edinburgh.
"I believe that I've gone back and buried some of the bad feelings and built bridges after what some people thought happened before going to Oxford.
"This time I'm not going under a cloud and it will be nice to go back next season.
"It's going to be difficult for Diamonds depending on the budget and who Justin signs.
"He will probably have a big overhaul of the squad and bring in his own
players.
"He has been fantastic with me as captain and everyone saw at the end of last season how he wants Diamonds to play – by getting the ball down.
"I don't think they will struggle. I'd love to see them up there challenging for the play-offs."
However, having rejected a switch to Cyprus this summer, Burgess knows Luton are expected to win the Blue Square Premier title.
He added: "It's a fantastic club with a magnificent fanbase.
"We took 40,000 supporters to Wembley for the Johnstone's Paint
Trophy final and we could have sold more tickets.
"They have got the right people behind the scenes and I've been impressed.
"Mick Harford is an all-time hero who has an aura when he walks into the dressing-room. People listen to him and he commands respect.
"This is like playing for Newcastle United under Alan Shearer because Mick is a Luton legend."
Marcus Kelly, meanwhile, has also left Diamonds after signing a one-year deal at Blue Square Premier rivals Oxford United.
The midfielder came up through the youth ranks at Nene Park but rejected a new contract with the club.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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