Paul Underwood signed for Diamonds in 1997 for £50,000 from Enfield. Initially playing as a left-winger Paul dropped back into the role of Left Back where he excelled, eventually becoming the Club Captain. He helped The Diamonds win promotion to Division 3 in 2001 and Division 2 in 2003, he also managed to pick up winners medals in the Northants F.A. Maunsell Premier Cup in 2000 and the Northants F.A. Senior Cup in 1999.

It wasn't all good times for Paul during his career at Nene Park he was on the losing side in the Maunsell Cup in 2002, and the Play-Off Final in 2002. After more than 200 appearances for Rushden, Paul was released on a free transfer to Luton in 2004, when Rushden & Diamonds were facing financial difficulty.

Underwood established himself as a Diamonds favourite under Brian Talbot and as well as representing the England Semi-Pro team. He was named as The Diamonds player of the season in 2003. In a 2004 BBC survey Paul was voted Rushden & Diamonds all time cult hero ahead of Duane Darby and Gary Butterworth.

Paul now plays for Luton Town and was in the promotion winning team under Mike Newell. He and Luton Town are now playing in the Coca Cola Championship; another Former Diamond, David Bell has recently joined him at Luton.