Ilkeston Town, like many clubs at the moment, are somewhat unsure of their future. Founded in 1945, Town have spent their existence in the lower leagues
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Last season, despite good results towards the end of the campaign, the Robins were relegated to the Dr Martens League Western Division after finishing bottom of the Premier Division.
As always happens with clubs who are not performing well, Ilkeston parted with their manager John McGinlay just two months after the season started following a 6-2 defeat against Hednesford Town. Charlie Bishop was bought in to replace McGinlay. Things started to look up for Town but after a few games they were back to the way they were previously. John Knapper’s reign as assistant manager only lasted 4 days before Carl
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Mark Lever and Barry Wooley formed an effective partnership at the back as Ilkeston finished the season off with some good results but it was too late to save themselves from the drop.
During the summer, doubt had been cast over whether Chairman Paul Millership was willing to continue putting money into the club. However a few weeks ago Millership stepped down as Chairman of the Robins and as of yet it is unclear as to who will step in to that role at the New Manor Ground. According to one Town site, ‘The White Ball Project’, Paul Millership was even rumoured to be heading for Meadow Lane!
Due to Town are hoping to cut their wage bill, quite a few players have left during the close season. Tony Hemmings, Matt McKenzie and striker Aaron O’Connor have all departed the New Manor Ground and ex-Notts player Ryan Ford has retired from the game.
Both Leon Kelly and Barry Woolley are expected to stay but there has been some interest in them from other clubs.
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According to Notts manager Billy Dearden, Notts will field their strongest side against the Robins with all of the senior players getting at least 45 minutes on the pitch.