I'd like to welcome the players, supporters and directors of Rushden and Diamonds. I've known Chairman Keith Cousins for a number of years and he is a very close personal friend.

When he took over, the Football Club was looking as though it was going to go into receivership, but Keith went over there and waved his magic wand and kept them going. I know that's been appreciated by a number of Rushden fans.

Rushden will bring a decent travelling support, there are a few lads who have played against each other in both squads, and it will be a very interesting game. It's also good to welcome the Setanta cameras to the Abbey Stadium for the second time this season.

I think Setanta realise it's going to be fast and furious and has all the ingredients to be a very exciting game. At the moment, Rushden are in the bottom half of the table but, as I write these notes before the Halifax game, I think they are unbeaten in eight matches.

Pound for pound, Rushden manager Garry Hill has probably been the best non-league manager over the last five years. His teams have always been there or thereabouts and you know you're in for a fight when any Garry Hill team comes to visit, and tonight will be no different.

Sometimes it can have an effect on the gate but all in all I think Setanta are good for the Blue Square Premier. Having the cameras here certainly gives the place a buzz and people like to see their team on the telly. They're doing a cracking job and they're always welcome.

Overall, looking back at the season so far, we're pleased to be where we are, which is always in and amongst it. This is where we were hoping to be, but you never know. It's one of those leagues where there are a lot of teams down the bottom - York being one of them - who you expect to be at the other end of the table, so all in all Jim and the lads have done a fantastic job and long may it continue.

Everywhere I go as Chairman of this Football Club people mention the support that we take and everyone calls it a 'proper football club' which, in football terms, means that we're a Football League club in all but name, we're well-respected and people would like to see us do well. The supporters play a huge part in that.

Although the Aldershot game was disappointing, conceding a goal right at the end, it was nice seeing the stands and the terracing packed and the atmosphere was good. We budget for certain gates, so when you're doing well you'd like to see those gates increase and that helps you release some extra money such as with the Marvin Robinson situation.

This time last year, we would have struggled to afford someone like him for three months, but with the team doing well and the extra gate money coming in it allows us to release more money to Jim to have that extra push.

Speaking of supporters, I was joined on Saturday by Eddie Bird, the Chief Executive of the Kershaw Group, who was my guest for the Halifax game. Kershaws have been a fantastic supporter of the Football Club for a number of years. I would like to record my appreciation of their support. We are very lucky to have a supporter like Kershaw and I hope Eddie enjoyed the game.

Thanks for your support.

Lee Power
Chairman

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