Ten years on, the Hatters remain in Non-League, but are making big strides towards a return to their former glories.
Meanwhile, Rusk, also a Conference title winner with Boston United in 2002, has formed a fine reputation as one of the best upcoming coaches in the game.
The 39-year-old worked his way up through the academy setup at Brighton & Hove Albion, becoming their U23 manager and led them to the highest level of development football for the first time.
The departure of County legend and manager Jim Gannon was sudden and unexpected, and their appointment of rookie Rusk came equally as a surprise – but there is no doubting he knows what NonLeague is all about.
“I love the Conference,” Rusk, a former midfielder for the likes of Peterborough United, Cambridge City, Northwich Victoria, Rushden & Diamonds and York City, told The NLP. “I think it’s got a lot of clubs with really strong history and it’s a really tough division with teams striving to get back into the Football League.
“I’ve had a broad set of football experiences, humble roots and I like to think we had to do it the hard way and it’s still the same now around the lower leagues.
This story is from the February 7, 2021 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 7, 2021 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WIN SETS UP FINAL MATCH TO SAVOUR!
THE Millers finished their home campaign in fine style with a win against a deflated Herne Bay side, whose play-off hopes disappeared last weekend following their home defeat against Sheppey.
TAYLOR'S DOUBLE SILENCES MARTYRS
AFC TOTTON continued their push to the top of the play-off picture as they triumphed over Merthyr Town.
HORNETS HEROES STUN THE CHATS!
HORSHAM kept their promotion hopes alive with a convincing victory against their potential play-off opponents.
LONG WAIT FOR HYDE AFTER HOME VICTORY
HYDE UNITED ended their league campaign with a win thanks to a brace from Matt Fearnley.
FIVE-STAR STONES STUN SAD BEAVERS
HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH had their play-off hopes dashed after they were thrashed by Maidstone United.
IT'S ALL OVER FOR GARRARD AS FLEET SEND WOOD DOWN
LUKE GARRARD’S last stand as Boreham Wood manager ended in relegation as Ebbsfleet United secured their National League status – just – on a tense final day.
KEV HAS PRIDE DESPITE A FALL
SOUTHEND United's faint play-off hopes were ultimately taken out of their hands by FC Halifax Town but they failed to keep their side of the equation by going down to Rochdale at Roots Hall.
HORNETS GOT SUCH A BUZZ!
DOM DI PAOLA has claimed the Football Association's decision to do away with replays in the FA Cup from the first round proper onwards is 'destroying their own competition'.
IT'S ABOUT CREATING MEMORIES
STEVE McKimm says the FA Cup replay storm isn’t about money – it’s the chance to make memories just like Cray Valley PM did this season.
A MARATHON EFFORT, JOE!
Robins ace runs London gauntlet after injury hell