19/11/24 – AFC Rushden & Diamonds are delighted to announce the signing of 21-year-old midfielder Callum Ballinger from fellow Northern Premier League Division One Midlands side Coventry Sphinx. Having progressed through the Academy at Tamworth, Callum joined Step 5 side Coventry United in 2022, before making the step up to Step 4 with Anstey Nomads in the summer of 2023. Callum spent the early months of 2023/24 with Nomads, before moving on to Boldmere St. Michaels, with whom he remained until this past summer. A move to Coventry Sphinx followed and Callum has featured 15 times this season in league and cup, scoring twice. Callum can operate anywhere across the midfield and adds to Diamonds’ attacking options as we head into winter.

Ballinger is a player that manager Michael Harriman has been keeping his eye on recently, and he was delighted to get his man: “I’m excited to bring Callum into the group. He’s a young lad but he’s got good experience at this level. He’s comfortable playing in midfield or higher up and brings both a lot of energy and an attacking threat. He’s got a great attitude, a willingness to improve and develop, and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do for the Club moving forward.”

26/05/25: The Club wishes Callum all the best as he moves on for the new season.