Rushden midfielder Gary Mills says he wants to stay at the club permanently after returning for a third spell.The 29-year-old rejoined Diamonds in January, after leaving Mansfield by mutual consent.

Mills told BBC Radio Northampton: "I'm delighted to be back. I never wanted to leave - it was due to other managers opinions of me.

"If the gaffer offered me a new contract, I'd happily sign it for as long as he wanted."

Mills' arrival has coincided with an upturn in Rushden's fortunes.

Everyone wants to work hard, we've got a great team spirit

Gary Mills

Having failed to win in 10 league and cup games, they are now unbeaten in five and lie five points outside the Blue Square Bet Premier play-offs, with two games in hand.

"We're delighted with the run," Mills added. "The boys who aren't in the squad have been magnificent.

"You could get lads who sulk but we haven't got that.

"Everyone wants to work hard, we've got a great team spirit and we all know where we want to go."

Source: BBC Sport