2003–04 Rushden & Diamonds F.C. season

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.

Kit

Rushden & Diamonds switched kit manufacturers to Errea. Dr. Martens remained kit sponsor.

First-team squad

Squad at end of season

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Left club during season

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

References

Notes

1. Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
2. 2003–04 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season
3. 2002–03 Rushden & Diamonds F.C. season
4. History of Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
5. 2003–04 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season
6. List of Rushden & Diamonds F.C. seasons
7. 2003–04 Coventry City F.C. season
8. 2003–04 Swindon Town F.C. season
9. 2003–04 West Ham United F.C. season
10. 2003–04 Grimsby Town F.C. season
11. 2003–04 Brentford F.C. season
12. 2003–04 in English football
13. Bishop's Stortford F.C.
14. 2003–04 Luton Town F.C. season
15. Mark Williams (footballer, born 1970)
16. Thurrock F.C.
17. Leon Knight
18. Spalding United F.C.
19. 2023–24 Northampton Town F.C. season
20. Nene Park