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]
^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.
Max Griggs
Barry Hunter (player-manager)
