The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Whilst sorting out some of the memorabilia to start putting up in the corridor/bar, came across this picture (dated 1969 on the back) of the old Main Stand.

Hayden Road 1969
(Unfortunately the label stuck to the picture has gone through to the print, so we'll probably have to trim this original for a frame).

I guess the old Social Club was a Nissan Hut (seen above) - I assume this was changed in the 70's/80's to the current clubhouse. The sign reads "Rushden T Social Club - By Membership Only".

Took a current picture (Sunday Morning), and merged them - using the length of stand and the profile of the houses at far right to line up - roughly, and used transparency to lay the new picture over the old in approximately the same position - did this quickly. In reality I think the front main posts for the stand should line up - as these are the originals today, but looks like there was quite an overhang as well, so may need to move left a bit, and line up the lamp post on the street better, as probably in the same location.

Merge Effect 1969-2018 - Mid Transparency
The Ghost Stand - Merge Effect 1969-2018 - 25% Transparency - more recent picture most visible. Shows how much bigger the stand used to be and don't get any ideas about glazed stand ends in any stand.

Original from Sunday Morning (October 21st 2018).

I've heard that the current clubhouse was there in 1971 (was new), as was used for a Wedding Reception - so the old Nissan Hut would have gone soon after this photo.

Great job on the photos, really effective.

Note: Images here - courtesy Evening Telegraph (well from a paper copy of the article anyway).

This picture (1947 v KTFC) taken from another cutting in the Office, may explain the alignment of those main pillars - as they were actually further back into the stand before - with more seats/benches coming further forward.

Any rumours that the Wellingborough Town Committee are all present in the picture are unfounded (allegedly). Although I swear I can see Mick Walden in there.

This picture, taken from this May 1992 cutting from the ET, as the Russians last game at Hayden Road.

Would love to see the Main Stand that full!

Anymore news on what is going on with it?

Love seeing pics like this, there's a few old photos in this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoG7pIT3POc&t=2s

We are certainly working to bring the stand back into use as part of the ground grading requirements for step 3 needed by March 2019.

The eagle eyed may have seen some works have been done recently to the front left side of the stand with more to come in the next few weeks/months.