Diamonds reach 1,000 with Burgess wishing he had not left
Tonight is another extra-special occasion in Rushden & Diamonds' history with their 1,000th first-team game.
A promotion play-off place has already been secured ahead of the Blue Square Premier trip to Mansfield Town where the away fans will have more reasons to celebrate the club's milestone.
Lining up against Diamonds should be Andy Burgess, Gary Mills, Jon Challinor and Robert Duffy who all began their professional careers by rising through the youth ranks at Nene Park.
Burgess has played for the club in exactly one-third of the total
fixtures and holds the record of 287 league appearances. Only Garry Butterworth (371) is above him on the all-time list.
He said: "It's a fantastic club and unbelievable – not only in terms of the set-up.
"I don't think another club has done what Diamonds achieved by working their way up with so much success.
"Millsy and myself were talking about it a few days ago. Looking back, they were definitely the best times of our careers when we played for Diamonds.
"The supporters kept it going as well and now it's fantastic to see the club in the play-offs.
"It's no surprise to me. They went through three-quarters of the season by getting on with it but they deserve to be up there.
"I certainly wish I was still there but it's easy to say I should have done this or that.
"People close to me know that I regret leaving and I'm gutted that I'm not part of this season's achievements.
"But I had to jump at the chance of joining Luton Town and then Mansfield took over my contract following a change of management.
"It's always nice to play against one of your old clubs and, of course, I'm looking forward to tonight because I've kept in touch with a lot of people at Diamonds.
"Mansfield have got nothing to play for in terms of the league. There is always personal pride and playing for your future so we are going to enjoy it under no real pressure."
Diamonds boss Justin Edinburgh said: "It's great to be involved in the club's 1,000th game.
"There has been a lot of history and great matches in there. Hopefully tonight can be another one."
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Weather for Kettering
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
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