ANDY Burgess has brought in former Oxford United teammate Chris Willmott as his assistant at AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

The ex-U’s midfielder, 40, was named permanent manager of the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central club in April, after two months as interim boss.

Burgess will be joined by 44-year-old Willmott, who he played with at United between January 2006 and August 2007.

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It comes as one of the duo's former U's teammates, Chris Hargreaves, has been named manager of Vanarama National League outfit Yeovil Town.

Burgess told Rushden’s YouTube channel: “Chris (Willmott) is someone I’ve played with at Oxford United. He’s a fantastic fella, probably the most sensible footballer I ever played with - not in the mould of a ‘typical footballer’.

“He played at the top level for Wimbledon, he’s a local guy and ticks loads of boxes.

“He’s a really good coach and since I’ve started speaking to him about the opportunity I’ve been delighted with his enthusiasm, thoughts, visions and input.

"I know he’ll be a fantastic acquisition for the football club.”

Burgess played more than 300 games for Rushden & Diamonds FC, who were liquidated in 2011. Supporters formed AFC Rushden & Diamonds as a result.

The midfielder joined the U’s from the original Rushden in January 2006, going on to make more than 50 appearances and score seven goals.

He could not prevent relegation from the Football League in his first season and played 41 times as United lost in the Blue Square Premier play-off semi-finals in 2006/07. Burgess returned to Rushden that summer.

Willmott scored and was sent off in the infamous defeat to Leyton Orient that sealed United’s relegation from League Two, his 48th appearance that season.

The defender missed most of the 2007/08 campaign due to a knee injury, but featured 38 times in 2008/09 before his release.

He went on to play for Oxford City and retired in 2014.

Rushden finished sixth in Premier Central this season, missing out on the play-offs on goal difference.