2003–04 Rushden & Diamonds F.C. season
| 2003–04 season | |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Max Griggs |
| Manager | Brian Talbot Barry Hunter (player-manager) Ernie Tippett |
| Stadium | Nene Park |
| Second Division | 22nd (relegated) |
| FA Cup | First round |
| League Cup | First round |
| Football League Trophy | Second round |
| Top goalscorer | Onandi Lowe (15) |
During the 2003–04 English football season, Rushden & Diamonds competed in the Second Division.
Season summary
Despite chairman and owner Max Griggs declaring his intention to sell the club in October, by Christmastime Rushden & Diamonds were two points off the play-off spaces. However, their next 11 games saw a return of only 8 points, leaving the club in relegation peril. This came amidst the background of increasing financial woes, which culminated in four key players leaving on March's transfer deadline day, most notably top scorer Onandi Lowe. Manager Brian Talbot had already departed to take over at Oldham Athletic, leaving Barry Hunter to take over as player-manager. Ernie Tippett took over as permanent manager with 3 games left of the season, but lost all 3, condemning the club to an immediate return to the fourth tier.[1]
Kit
Rushden & Diamonds switched kit manufacturers to Errea. Dr. Martens remained kit sponsor.[2]
First-team squad
- Squad at end of season[3]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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References
Notes
- ^ Gray was born in Harrogate, England, but also qualified to represent Scotland internationally through his father and represented Scotland at U-21 level.
- ^ Bell was born in Wellingborough, England, but also qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally and represented the Republic of Ireland at U-21 and B level.
- ^ Okuonghae was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but also qualified to represent England internationally and represented England at C level.
- ^ Benjamin was born in Kettering, England, and represented England at U-21 level, but also qualified to represent Jamaica internationally and made his international debut for Jamaica in November 2002.
- ^ Hall was born in Manchester, England, but also qualified to represent Jamaica internationally and made his international debut for Jamaica in 1997.