The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Such sad news about Mal Swinden passing away, a genuinely lovely man with a great passion for his photography and that professional habit of being in the right place thus being responsible for many memorable photos during his time with the club. Never made a noise or fuss about anything but was always available for a chat.
He will always be remembered at the club by the images that tell Diamonds history taken by him.
RIP Mal.

I echo Brownie. Mal will be sadly missed

Such sad news. Mal was really lovely man, who contributed massively to both incarnations of the club.

Mal was a more than worthy (joint) winner of the Volunteer of the Year award in (I think) the second season of AFC R&D. I remember there being two stand out candidates that year, and being really torn which way to vote. The sight of Mal at the end of a particularly wet game, completely and utterly drenched from head to toe, made my mind up.

For many years, he barely missed a game, home or away, including the U18s. We were so fortunate to have someone of his calibre and dedication as our club photographer.

RIP Mal.

A Gentleman who loved both clubs. I had the pleasure of spending evenings with him on pre season tours and working with him when I ran the Diamond Minors photographing mascots with favourite players. Sorely missed. RIP Mal

Such a sad loss. Mal was such a key figure for RDFC and AFCRD for so many years. He was always so cheerful, ready to go the extra mile to get the shots for the club websites, often in awful weather conditions, then get them edited ready for publication just an hour or two after the game.

RIP.

It’s all been said above, Andy and Dave summed him up a treat!

I, like many, have known Mal for many years from his association with the old club, the RDISA and obviously through his photographs cataloguing the history of both RDFC and AFCRD.

He was a top fella, a true Diamond!

So sad to hear this news, a lovely man who I loved chatting to and he captured some of the key moments in our club’s history!

RIP Mal !! Sad times !!

Really sad news. Had many chats with Mal,he had time for everyone. See him sat under the little shelter in front of main stand at Hayden road having his pre match meal. Mal had a heart of gold & loved the Diamonds! He came out to a few Community games to take pics & would go above & beyond. Rip Mal another good guy taken far to soon. X