Supporters will be familiar with Burgess, who made 333 appearances for the sadly now defunct Rushden & Diamonds.

During his playing career, in addition to playing for the likes of Luton Town, Mansfield Town and Oxford United, Burgess played eight times for the England C team between 2007 and 2009, scoring 2 goals.

His managerial career has included Sheffield Wednesday Women, Nottingham Forest Ladies and Leeds United Ladies as well as North West Counties League side Barnton and he has also been assistant manager at Corby Town, Stamford and Widnes, as well as a first team coach at Mansfield.

With 11 league games left, Burgess’ first task will be to ensure a continuation of the form that has seen the team sitting in a play-off position.

Chairman, Ralph Burditt told https://www.afcdiamonds.com: “I am delighted to welcome Andy to the club. There were many extremely high-calibre candidates for the role, but Andy stood out on the basis of the enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism that he will bring to AFC Rushden & Diamonds.”

Burgess added: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take the club forward. It’s a club I’ve kept a close eye on over the last few years given my links with Rushden & Diamonds. The players and outgoing management did a fantastic job of getting to this point and for me it’s now a case of trying to finish the season as strongly as possible by winning 11 cup finals. That will be my focus from this point forward, taking each game as it comes.

“I’d like to thank the AFC R&D Board for giving me the opportunity. It’s a chance I’m going to take with both hands”.