Commenting, "We are all looking forward to the season ahead after a tough but enjoyable pre-season. The games have given us a range of different styles, intensity and qualities. The players and staff have worked tirelessly to be the best we can be for the challenges ahead." He is in no doubt about the challenges that lie ahead for the Holy Blues, "We know how tough this league can be. There are large squads and big budgets out there. Every game gives you different challenges and problems we need to find ways to overcome. I’m delighted with the squad we’ve put together. Thank you to Dave Horsley, the board and my staff for their help. There with be highs and lows as always (that’s football) but we will give everything to hopefully make you proud of your football club."

Last Season

The Robins did the double over the Holy Blues last season. Ilkeston winning 4-0 at the Microlise Stadium after Javelle Clarke was sent off five minutes before half time. 529 witnessing a Jamie Walker brace. In the reverse fixture at the Kal Group Stadium, Trinity were defeated by a goal to nil, with Walker again on the scoresheet. This time with an audacious effort from the halfway. There was also more heartache for Clarke. This time, leaving the field on a stretcher, after the final whistle, as he was the seriously injured. Fortunately, 34 weeks later, Javelle was back on the pitch for the first time. Taking part in our final pre-season game (against Boston United on Saturday).

In the Dugout Former goalkeeper, Ian Deakin manages the Robins, guiding our hosts to an 11th placed finish, with 60 points from their 40 game campaign, having taken over from Garry Hayward on the 4th September 2023, a fortnight before Trinity appointed Russ Wilcox.

Former Blues

Several players have worn the shirts of both sides. Linking up for Ilkeston could be Goalkeeper, Matt Yates, who begins his second season with Ilkeston after three years at Gainsborough. The former Derby County youngster, and son of Dean Yates, was a popular member of the Trinity squad, signed by Tom Shaw, before moving on to Ilkeston, to be closer to his Derbyshire home.

Centre back or defensive midfielder, Callum Minkley is another to have trodden the path from Derby County to Gainsborough, before again ending up moving to Ilkeston. This time via Deakin’s former side, Long Eaton United.

Centre forward Tom Cursons netted twelve goals in the second half of the campaign for our Derbyshire hosts. And has been in goal scoring form again in pre-season. Cursons, another Tom Shaw signing, combined playing for the Holy Blues with Nottingham Trent University. In his second season, he found it difficult to break into the first team under Neal Bishop, moving on to – and linking up with Deakin at Long Eaton, before making his return to the level, midway through last season.

Match Information

Making the trip to support the Holy Blues, here’s some of the information you will need, including the address and postcode. And how many Pounds, Shillings & Pence you will need to gain admittance at our first destination of the season:

Microlise New Manor Ground
Awsworth Road,
Ilkeston
Derbyshire
DE7 8JF

Adults £13
Concessions/ Students £8
Under 16s £2
Under 11s Free

Car parking at the ground is priced at £3 per vehicle, while digital programmes will be available to download on the day.

Pre- game, Landlords Ben & Tara Heffer have been in touch to extend a welcome to The Little Acorn, a local pub that is a five minute walk from the ground. “With a good mix of home and away fans and a friendly atmosphere to get you in the mood for the match.” They also have an onsite café – for those arriving early and looking to grab a quick bite to eat.

NPL Fixtures in Full

Here are all the fixtures in the Pitching In Northern Premier League & already there are some big, big games on the cards. None more so than two of the sides involved in last season’s play-off games, with Worksop Town welcoming Macclesfield to Sandy Lane.

Two promoted sides go head to head, as Harrison Park, home of Leek Town is the stage for Stockton Town’s season opener.

Ashton United vs Blyth Spartans
Guiseley vs Workington
Hebburn Town vs Warrington Rylands
Hyde United vs Mickleover
Lancaster City vs Basford United
Leek Town vs Stockton Town
Morpeth Town vs FC United of Manchester
Prescot Cables vs Matlock Town
Whitby Town vs Bamber Bridge
Worksop Town vs Macclesfield

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Photographs by Bryan Pye (@bry_pyesport)