A ROUGH GUIDE TO... ILKESTON
It's been a while, but football is back this weekend as Keith Curle takes his new look side on the road for simultaneous away games at members of the Evo-Stik league. The majority of the first team will be going to Buxton, which we will preview shortly, but the development squad plus, presumably, some others will be travelling down the road to Ilkeston FC to play the friendly agreed as a part of Tyrell Waite's transfer from the Robins last season. Notts also kicked off their pre-season campaign at Ilkeston last season, with Martin Allen's side being held to a 2-2 draw.
WHAT WILL IT SET ME BACK?
Adults - £5
Concessions - £3
Under 16's - £1
HOW DOES ONE FIND THEIR WAY TO THE NEW MANOR GROUND?
It may be a new season, but NCM still has absolutely no intention of learning to drive, so our away day directions will still be entirely reliant on Google Maps and their ever helpful blue line. Thankfully, Ilkeston is a particularly easy trip from Nottingham, taking less than half an hour. You should take the A610 out of Nottingham to the north, before joining the A6096 near Giltbrook. Before reaching Ilkeston you should turn right onto Awsworth Road, which can be followed down to the ground.
Ilkeston doesn't have a train station, but is easily accessible by bus. Trent Barton's two service departs from Victoria Bus Station every twelve minutes and takes just over half an hour to reach Ilkeston. You should alight at the large Tesco in the town, from where the ground is a short ten minute walk.
TELL US SOME FUN THINGS ABOUT ILKESTON, PLEASE!
There are very few fun things that I can discover about the town if Ilkeston itself. Indeed, even their most famous resident is somewhat dull - William Roache who plays Ken Barlow in Coronation Street. It is perhaps telling that he now lives in Wilmslow, Cheshire, however. The football club were liquidated in 2010 after a 114-year history somewhat ruined by local millionaire nutcase Chek Whyte, but have come back strongly since dropping the Town part of their name and reforming ahead of last season. They were promoted from the Evo-Stik South division last season, having won the play-offs. They are managed by former Notts man Kevin Wilson, with the Magpies theme continuing to his assistant - portly former midfielder Darren Caskey, who still pulls on his boots for the club from time to time. Some of their more noteable current players include winger James Reid, a product of the Forest youth system who has succeeded at that level with Hinckley United in the past and Matt Richards, a midfielder who once played one game for Notts on loan from Wycombe Wanderers.
WHAT'S THE NEW MANOR GROUND LIKE, THEN?
It's alright for that level of football, basically. NCM went to the friendly last season and everyone was extremely hospitable and welcoming, whilst a repeat of the sweltering weather would be a welcome surprise. The club house is cosy but serves everything you could need, whilst there is ample cover for both standing and seating fans. As an Evo-Stik level ground it certainly isn't luxurious, but it is more than pleasant enough for an afternoon's football.