Ritchie Hanlon came with a reputation as being an industrious, goal-scoring midfielder; traits that made Graham Westley secure his services. His arrival followed a second spell with Rushden & Diamonds for a midfielder who first started out at Chelsea. His time at Boro’ started with a twist; making his debut in goal at Dagenham & Redbridge. With no sub keeper available to cover an injury to Andy Woodman, it was Hanlon to the rescue. But, let’s be in no doubt, we still lost.

Boro’ had tried to bring Hanlon before he eventually did arrive. The programme for our home game against Hereford United in August 2003 revealed the midfielder had been training with us during pre-season a couple of years before. But the Diamonds offered full-time football, which we couldn’t (at the time). So, Hanlon went to Nene Park and it’d be a little later down the line that his career would bring him to the Lamex. Good things come to those who wait, so goes the famous line…

Ritchie Hanlon: Before Boro’

After starting his career at Stamford Bridge, Hanlon moved down the leagues; spells with Welling United and Southend United coming before his first move to the Diamonds. While at Nene Park, he caught the attention of Peterborough United and spent three years with Posh. During that time, he re-traced old footsteps into non-league with a move to Welling on loan, before returning to Rushden.

Image: Keith Mayhew (if incorrect, please contact us and we’ll happily credit you)