Mark Sale left the U's in July 1999, joining Rushden & Diamonds for a fee of £30,000, after just over two years at Layer Road, scoring 13 goals in 101 appearances.

Early into his time at Nene Park he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease (now known as Hodgkin's lymphoma) and underwent chemotherapy. He battled his way back to fitness after 15 months out and was able to make a couple of league appearances as the Diamonds won the Conference in 2000-01.

He was released in May 2001, having made 13 appearances, scoring two cup goals, and joined Conference side Doncaster Rovers. He was released after a single season, scoring three goals in 18 appearances, and joined Tamworth after a move to Forest Green Rovers fell through.

He had a loan spell with Hucknall Town in September 2003, before making a permanent move to Alfreton Town a month later. He went on to score 15 goals for Alfreton - the most he ever scored for a club in his career.

In June 2005 he joined Northwich Victoria and helped them win promotion back to the Conference in his first season. He joined Hednesford Town in January 2007, but never made an appearance for their first team.

After his playing career ended he joined his home town club Burton Albion, taking charge of the youth team. He led the youth team to the Football Conference Youth League Title in 2009 and was assistant manager to Roy McFarland when Burton won the Conference and were promoted to the Football league in the same year. He is still at the League Two side in a position as College Development Team Manager.

Clubs since leaving the U's: Rushden & Diamonds, Doncaster Rovers, Tamworth, Hucknall Town (loan), Alfreton Town, Northwich Victoria, Hendesford Town, Burton Albion.

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