Burgess Makes First New Diamonds Signings

Andy Burgess, manager of Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central club AFC Rushden & Diamonds, has announced his first new signings.

Central defender, right back/right wing back or holding midfielder Matthew Lars Fossen joins Diamonds from Swedish Division One side FC Linköping City.

The 26-year-old defender originally came through Premier League Leeds United’s academy and then had spells with League Two sides Bradford City and Halifax Town.

In August 2019, he returned home to Norway to play for second tier side SK Herd.

In July 2020 he moved to Spain and turned out for CD Bupolsa in the fourth tier.

In May 2021 he went back to Norway and played for third tier outfit Nybergsund Il-Trysil before moving to Sweden in January 2022 with Linkoping.

Evangelos-Nikalaos Empochontsif is a left-sided centre-back who joins from Isthmian League Premier Division new boys Canvey Island, having moved to the area to attend Northampton University.

The 21-year-old, who spent time on trial with Championship side Middlesbrough in 2019, signed for Canvey in August 2021 and made 25 appearances last season as the Gulls went on to win the play-off final.

He previously had stints with Hullbridge Sports, Newbury Forest, Walthamstow and Woodford Town.

Courtney Lashley is an 18-year-old defender who can play as either a left back or left wing back.

Hinckley-born, he moves to Hayden Road having been released by League Two neighbours Northampton Town, where he came through the academy ranks, at the end of last season.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds Web Site