Rushden & Diamonds given special shirt permission
Friday 21 August 2015 10:43, UK
AFC Rushden & Diamonds have been given FA permission to retire a shirt number dedicated to a player who died.
The Northamptonshire club were facing disciplinary action from the Southern League, of which they were promoted to Division One Central last season, for using number 17 for their goalkeeper.
Rushden goalkeepers do not use number one in any of their 36 teams as a tribute to Dale Roberts, who took his own life in 2010.
Matt Findlay has worn 17 in all of the club's games so far this season, and been reported by the referee for doing so on every occasion. Supporters of the club had collected money to pay any fines incurred as a result.
Southern League rules state that teams must line up in shirts numbered one to 11 but following a meeting between the league, the club and the Football Association, a decision has been agreed.
"The board of AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to announce that special dispensation has been granted for the remainder of the 2015-16 season," a club statement said.
"The FA appeal board recommended that an appropriate way forward would be for consultation to commence amongst the member clubs as to whether a squad numbering system should be introduced with a view to a proposal being presented at the annual general meeting ahead of the 2016-17 season.
"The club would also like to thank the members, supporters and the whole footballing community for their overwhelming support. All monies raised to cover any potential fines will be donated to the Dale Roberts Memorial Fund."
