Diamonds push for top
Keith Cousins insists Rushden & Diamonds can build a top-five squad "at the right price".
The club chairman believes Justin Edinburgh's new-look side will push for a promotion play-off place next season – despite further financial restraints.
They have already lost captain Andy Burgess and player-coach Chris Hope, along with homegrown midfielder Marcus Kelly, after they rejected pay cuts to stay at Nene Park.
Burgess also turned down the offer of a money-spinning
testimonial by instead joining Blue Square Premier rivals Luton Town, while Hope this week signed for Corby Town, Kelly has switched to Oxford United and Daryl Clare also completed a permanent move to Mansfield Town.
Diamonds have kept hold of Simon Downer, Kurt Robinson and Nicky McNamara, with former Barnet midfielder Max Porter coming in.
A year ago Cousins splashed out to sign the likes of Clare, Lee Phillips and Rob Wolleaston.
However, he ended up losing around 500,000 last season as Diamonds finished in mid-table again.
Cousins confirmed: "The budget and players' wages have been reduced to reflect the current times.
"Last year we went for it but that was a failure.
"Since Justin took over from Garry Hill, our performances and results have improved.
"To be honest, it's going to be very difficult for him.
"He's talking to players and we're being very patient at the moment.
"In particular we need a forward and a centre-half. We're not being rushed, though.
"They must be coming in because they want to be here – not just because they are getting huge sums of money every week.
"Justin has earmarked a series of players he'd like to sign.
"But the financial demands must be within our budgetary restraints.
"We're going to have a small squad which we think will be capable of making a challenge at the right price."
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Weather for Kettering
Monday 13 February 2012
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