Billy Sharp in a Rushden & Diamonds training kit.
Image caption,

Billy Sharp has come out of retirement to play for AFC Rushden & Diamonds - and is seeking a landmark goal

ByKris Holland, BBC Sport, East of England and James Burridge, BBC Look East
  • Published6 November 2026, 08:13 GMT
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Updated 4 hours ago

The notion of your football club ceasing to exist is unthinkable for many fans, but for supporters of Rushden & Diamonds it became a sad reality in 2011.

The Northamptonshire-based side, backed by the late Max Griggs, rocketed through non-league in the 1990s and in 2003 reached the third tier of English football before financial issues after he stepped away ultimately saw them fold.