Rushden & Diamonds launch double expulsion appeal

Rushden & Diamonds have lodged a double appeal as they contest their expulsion from the Conference.

The Northamptonshire club were expelled from the competition on 11 June for financial reasons.

According to a statement on their website, Diamonds have now appealed to both the Football Conference and the Football Association.

Rushden are also fighting a winding-up petition after the initial hearing on 13 June was adjourned for 21 days.

The club's directors will be present, and were asked to submit their final written submissions confirming full details of the appeal by Friday, 24 June.

The Football Conference must then respond by Wednesday, 29 June and the hearing with the FA will be on Tuesday, 5 July at Wembley Stadium.

The club are understood to owe around 拢200,000 to HM Revenue and Customs and 拢65,000 to a local catering company.

Rushden's place in the Blue Square Bet Premier was handed to relegated Southport.

A takeover bid from a Japanese property maintenance firm, which would save the club from financial extinction, is thought to be dependent on the Diamonds being in the top flight of non-league football next season.