Mark Starmer lands AFC Rushden & Diamonds manager role

Starmer joins the new club after working for Rushden & Diamonds

Mark Starmer has been named the first ever manager of AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

AFC have been set up by fans of extinction-threatened Rushden & Diamonds, where Starmer was head of the centre of excellence last season.

The new "phoenix" club intend to compete in the Northants Senior Youth League this season.

"It is a great honour to be the manager of AFC Rushden & Diamonds, these really are exciting times for everyone involved," Starmer said.

"With all the hard work that has been put in so far in such a short space of time by everyone the progress has been fantastic."

Last season Starmer led the Rushden youth side to victory in the Midland Youth Cup and the FA Youth Alliance League, as well as the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.

AFC have been holding trials with the aim of recruiting a young side, with a view to entering a senior league next summer.