by Peter Scherer

James Butler was one of the new pre-season signings for Mickleover FC, a reliable and hardworking central defender, with a good pedigree.

James’ father Tony  was also a defender, with over 500 senior games under his belt in a 15 year career, spanning Gillingham, Blackpool, Port Vale, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City.

I have always wanted to be a pro-footballer, and with my Dad having played, I grew up around it and wanted to follow in his footsteps in making a pro career.

I want to get back into the full time game one day, but at the moment I am very happy at Mickleover and excited to see what we can do next season.

Cheshire born he started out at Nantwich Town.

I joined Stoke City when I was 10 years old, after being scouted at Nantwich, they asked me to go for a trial.

After about six weeks they told me that they wanted me to sign and from then on I just worked my way through the age groups.

I left Stoke when I was 19, so I had been there almost 10 years, so it was hard because that’s all I had ever known. Training over there four to five times aweek as a schoolboy after school, and then being there on a daily basis once I went full time.

So yeah, leaving a club I spent so much of my life at, but I am glad things turned out the way they did, because I wouldn’t be where I am today otherwise.

He hasn’t always been a defender though.

When I was about six or seven I was a right winger and I wasn’t bad there, as ultimately no six year old wants to be a centre half.

It didn’t take long for me to move to centre back though, so I can’t have been as good a winger as I thought.

My Dad would always tell me that I was going to end up there, as he was a centre half and I’m glad I listened to him now, as I am not really built to be a winger and lack a bit of pace to be out there too.

You seem to quite critical of your own performances on occasions, is that part of your game?

I’ve always been quite critical of myself and my performances, because there are very few games where you can come off afterwards and think, I couldn’t have done any better today.

I always try to watch games back to see where I could do better, if it’s the smallest thing I try and take that thought into the next game, so that I am constantly improving and progressing.

The gaffer is a great help as well, he’ll send me clips from the game to show me things I’ve done well and things I could have done better, so that’s a massive help for me.

Away from football what does he like doing? 

I am working Monday to Friday, but in my spare time I like going out with friends, whether that’s for food or a drink. I also enjoy going to the gym whenever I can, so being closed at the moment is annoying.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Yes the zooms have been really good. Full credit to Watty as he’s there every session and puts a great workout on. I think they help massively with keeping us close as a team too, but I think we are as close as any team anyway. I have never played in a team that is as close as we are and that’s obviously shown on the pitch this season.

So what do you normally do before a match?

As I am working the day before a game, I usually go to the gym after work and do a light session, then I tend to chill out at home so I am ready for the game.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it’s gone?

Before the season started I would never have guessed we’d be top of the league at this stage, because being a new signing I obviously hadn’t seen any of the other lads play before. But once we got started training and playing together and I saw what good players we have here and you could tell we were going to be right up there.

Hopefully next season we can build on what we’ve started this year and do what we’re on course for this season, getting promoted.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

The best is when I was on loan at Kidsgrove and we got to the last qualifying round of the FA Cup, playing Hartlepool away.

We lost 1-0 but we got clapped off the pitch by their fans. That led to another memory, because after that game I got a loan move to Hartlepool which was good experience for me.

by Peter Scherer

Kemy Agustien joined Mickleover FC towards the end of last season. A skilful and strong central midfielder and free kick specialist, having represented Curacao as a full international and played Premiership football in the UK, Netherlands and Denmark.

My only option was being a footballer. I never liked school and football was the easiest and quickest way to help my family and put food on the table.

He was born in the Netherlands Antilles, but moved to the Netherlands at the age of four.

I started my football in Holland. When I was six I joined the local club Willem II, I was the only one so young. A neighbour of mine worked as a driver for the club, picking up players from their homes to go training.

He saw me playing outside the house everyday and then asked the coach if I could come and train with them. Normally you need to get scouted, but after only one session I wasn’t allowed to leave any more.

He had played for the Netherlands at junior international levels, but made got his first full cap for Curacao.

My heart was always with Curacao and when the opportunity came and Patrick Kluivert was the manager, it was a simple decision to make.

As well as playing Premiership football in the UK, he also played at the top level in the Netherlands, Scotland, Wales, Denmark and the Philippines, before his long career brought him to Mickleover.

The Mickleover move came about when I met Jonah Jones during a training session for our boys at Aston Villa. Then I found that Bevbatov was playing at Mickleover too, because I played with him at Wrexham.

After speaking with Bev I had a meeting with the Gaffer. We spoke about football but more importantly we spoke about everything outside football too, and that’s where I could see his man management was spot on.

We always known Kemy as a midfield general sort of player, but he’s played elsewhere too.

I used to be a winger when I started. Then they put me at Centre Half, where I played a couple of games against my will, and then told them it they’re not playing me in midfield anymore, I’m not coming.

The next game I was in midfield, scored a couple of goals and never left that position again.

Who does Kemy rate as the best manager he has played under? 

Brendan Rogers at Swansea, Van Gaal and Kluivert, plus Macca has got the qualities to reach the top too. But Rogers and Kluivert’s man management was unbelievable they made sure everything outside football was good. As we know if a player is happy and doesn’t have to think about stuff on the pitch, he’ll do the job for you on there.

But away from football what does he like doing? 

Spend time with my family, my kids are my everything, especially having grown up without a father figure. I want to make sure I am with them, making memories for life.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Yes Philly is killing me every time. Not a joke and keep shouting at the rest. Footballers only need one yard, it’s not about running it’s about football and thinking. But joking aside, it’s always nice catching up with everybody.

So what do you normally do before a match?

I’m always chilled and relaxed. I don’t have a specific thing, just follow what my heart says.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it’s gone?

To be honest I am not surprised. We have a good mix of hunger and quality. I mean we can fight and do the dirty side, especially UPSIDE DOWN! But on the same hand I think we are the best football playing team as well. So if we combine this, then I have to say that we could be unstoppable.

So what have you missed most during Lockdown’s?

Nutmegging, especially Stiffler (Ravenhill).

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

Man of the match for playing against Manchester United, with only three hours sleep the night before, as I didn’t expect to be playing.

by Peter Scherer

George Milner was another close season signing for Mickleover FC, an attacking midfielder with a never say die attitude.

I have always wanted to be a professional footballer and luckily enough I achieved that dream in 2017 when I moved to Norway. Even though it was only for one year I ultimately still want to get back into full time football, but right now I am loving every minute at Mickleover.

 Born and bred in the north of the county, George started out at Stockport County.

I was there from seven to 14 but then their Academy closed as the club went into administration. Then I had trials with four or five clubs, but got told on many occasions that I was too small.

I was lucky at the age of 16 as Chesterfield took me on and offered me a youth team contract.

 He had always been a striker in his early days.

Yes I had, but I started to play in midfield when I was in Norway. Then was upfront and midfield when I was at Belper Town last season.

I feel I have found my position here at Mickleover, with the formation we play. I’m happy to play anywhere the gaffer wants me to play. It’s getting the game time that is so important to me.

A lot of people say the same thing about me, I have always been like I am, always giving 100% no matter what I’m doing, if its playing football or in everyday life. I’m a big believer in the saying, “Hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard.”

But away from football what does he like doing? 

I like to play golf or go to the pub or restaurants with friends and family. I do like a night out every now and again, but don’t like getting up the next day with a bad hangover.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Yeah the zoom workout’s have been class for our fitness, but it also helped by keeping in touch with everyone and the banter is always flying about no matter what.

We all wish Phil Watt could learn something different to squat though!

So what do you normally do before a match?

I’m normally working the day before, but when I get home I usually just make my tea, give the house a clean, then just chill out and relax, maybe watch some TV.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it’s gone?

In a way I am not surprised we are doing so well, because I could tell from the first session of pre-season that we have a lot of quality players at Mickleover.

It’s more the people outside the club that are probably surprised that we are top of the table.

So what have you missed most during Lockdown’s?

Football wise I have missed the games obviously. Also being around a changing room with the lads, with the banter flying about. Not missed Andrew Wright (also know as ANDY, or Rolland) though.

Outside of football I have missed going to my parents house for a Sunday dinner or a cup of tea. I really miss being able to socialise with my friends and having them round at my house too.

My fondest footballing memories are making my professional debut in Norway for Valdres in front of 6,000 fans and then with Belper Town plying away to Notts County in the FA Cup October 2019.

by Peter Scherer

Andrew Wright came to Mickleover FC in late 2019, a hardworking midfielder, who always has an eye for the goal.

Ever since I remember I was always involved in football. My Dad and Grandad really put it all into perspective for me and became something I always dreamed of doing.

He comes from Mansfield originally but started his junior football at Chesterfield.

I had been released by Chesterfield and joined Lincoln City at the age of 14/15 after being offered a trial, which led to six enjoyable years there.

He is known for his powerful runs from midfield, but has he always played there?

When I started at Chesterfield I was a centre forward. As everyone knows I love scoring goals, but when I signed for Lincoln I wanted to get more involved in football matches, so moved back into centre midfield and centre attacking midfield.

It clear that you are happy taking a shot on goal from most angles and at any distance?

It’s always been part of my game, as there’s no better feeling than scoring. So every chance I get to try and score I do. I work a lot on trying to strike the ball as cleanly as possible, so the chances I get from outside  of the box I enjoy the most.

But away from football what does he like doing? 

I like to go for a walk now and again when the weather is good. Catching up with the lads over a few beers, watching footy and I also like watching Motorcycle racing and F1. I work as a plumber though, so I’m always very busy.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

It’s been tough but rewarding. Watty has been a class addition to the team this year and for him to get us all on his sessions and motivate us like he is, has been spot on.

I feel it’s definitely kept us close as a team and we have also done an upside down head Gorge Milner quiz on zoom over a few beers, so that was a good relaxing call for us all. Overall the mood is good in the squad and the lads touch base every day.

So what do you normally do before a match?

I’m usually working the day before, but in the evening I like to go have tea with my Grandma and chill out, so I am ready and raring to on Saturday.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it’s gone?

I am yes, but we knew what talent we had in the dressing room. The Gaffer has always recruited good footballers at the club and so we knew we would be in and around the top. To be at the top of the league though is brilliant for the club and the group of players as a whole, keeping spirits up through Lockdown and a massive statement to where we want to be next season, or of if this one carries on.

So what have you missed most during Lockdowns?

Waking up on a Saturday morning with a game lined up in the afternoon. Also training and a chance to break the week up and catch up with the lads a few times a week,

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

It was signing my first professional contract at Lincoln City. A very special moment for me and my family.

by Peter Scherer

Alex Morris was another close season signing at Mickleover FC, a solid defending left back, with a flair for the overlap.

As a kid it was always my dream to become a professional footballer. I have no regrets over it not happening, as I love playing non-league football, and really enjoy my job as a PE teacher, so wouldn’t change a thing.

Hailing from the Potteries, Alex’s talents were soon spotted by one of his two main local league clubs, Port Vale.

I was nine when I was scouted in a game with my local club. There is still a group of about eight of us who had been together at the club from nine to 18 years of age. Some of them are still playing there now and we are all close mates and talk everyday still.

Although primarily a left wing back, did he ever have aspirations to play elsewhere?

Yes, I would love to say I played up front, but I can’t score for the life of me. l always liked getting forward and contributing with a few assists, but I take most pride in keeping clean sheets. Defending is the first job, if I can go forward and attack, that’s a bonus.

But away from football what does he like doing? 

Anything that involves sport, meeting up with my mates at the pub and seeing as much of the world as possible. All of which has not been happening recently.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Massively yes. We’ve got a great group of lads and that’s reflected with how well we’ve been playing.

So what do you normally do before a match?

I’m working normally, but then usually chill out on the Friday evening. It’s the only time my girlfriend sees me over the weekend, so I tend to stay in.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it’s gone?

It’s my first season up at this level, so I didn’t really know what to expect.  We did well in pre-season, so knew we wouldn’t be far off. We will give it a good go next season for sure!

So what have you missed most during Lockdown’s?

Normal weekends. I love waking up on a Saturday morning, watching soccer am with a couple of oat cakes, then head off to the football.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

I’ve had a few good ones. We went on a good FA Cup run while I was at Kidsgrove, but I love nothing more than winning a Derby game, or beating one of my old clubs.

by Peter Scherer

Phil Watt was one of the summer signings for Mickleover FC and quickly established himself as a solid and reliable defender, goalscorer and proud Yorkshireman.

We got married three years ago in Las Vegas, I absolutely love travelling. We have a six year old daughter and a baby on the way in June.

I’m a self-employed personal trainer, doing online coaching and classes to help people stay motivated, keeping the mind and body healthy.

Had he always hoped to be a footballer?

Yeah, always dreamed of either being a footballer also a cowboy when I was a kid.

Born and bred in Rotherham, Phil joined his local club as a youngster.

I was with them from eight or nine years, they scouted me when we played a five a side tournament at Millmoor (Rotherham Utd’s old ground) with my school, which we went on to win.

Playing centre back now, but as he always played there?

I actually started as a centre forward, then played at the back a few games and ended up staying there.

But as a defender he has also scored some valuable goals this season.

I always like to chip in with a goal or two. My best tally in a season was nine, but with the quality of the lads taking set pieces here, I was hoping I would get to the 10 goal mark this season. Nearly half way there already and just hope we get to carry on.

Away from his football Phil has been a successful fitness trainer for a number of years.

I’ve been doing it over 13 years and I enjoy every moment of it. There’s not a better feeling than to help people achieve what they’ve always wanted and transform their lives.

It helps me with my football too and keeps me on top of my fitness when I am not playing.

So has he helped train anyone famous?

Yes I train Paralympic Table Tennis Gold Medal Olympian Will Bayley who was also on Strictly Come Dancing.

He has also been doing his bit with the rest of the Mickleover squad too during the Lockdown’s.

Yes we have been doing zoom sessions twice a week and the lads and to be fair the gaffer too, are all looking really fit. So I’m always making sure I’m finding ways to push them to their limits and take it to another level.

We want to be ready for when we get out of Lockdown and if we get the season restarted soon, if not we’ll be looking great on the beach.

Does he have a pre-match routine?

I would normally be quite busy working and putting people through fitness sessions before the weekend. Then Friday night disco with my daughter, you want to stay quite chilled, but a six year old won’t allow that.

After such a successful start to the year, as it come as a surprise?

Yes and no. With the quality of the lads and coaches here, I’m not surprised to see us doing so well.

I wouldn’t have thought we would be top with some of the teams and the budgets they’ve got in this league. It just shows though, if you have the quality and the hard work it goes a long way.

All footballers have a fondest memory, so what’s Watty’s?

Probably scoring the winning goal for Belper Town in the play-off final, unfortunately that was against Mickleover.

This is our first memorable match story from Dave Kelsey, and we look forward to hearing from more of you.

The Great Escape
Bamber Bridge v Mickleover Sports – 27^th April 2019

By Dave Kelsey

I am a volunteer at Mickleover FC and have been involved with the Club since 2014.My duties as a volunteer have covered just about everything from helping with hospitality through to assisting in the Car Park, helping with the programme and running the turnstile. I have been a Non-League fan for many years and really enjoy the camaraderie that exists at this level of football. The matchday experience is first class and Mickleover FC is a great place to enjoy your football.

My favourite matchday memory comes from 2019 and was the final game of the season. It had been a tough campaign with Sports battling for most of the season to avoid relegation from the Northern Premier League. With two of the three relegation places already decided (North Ferriby had unfortunately folded and Workington had two few points) it was a straight fight between Mickleover Sports and Marine to avoid the dreaded drop. The situation was pretty stark – Marine had to lose their game at Farsley Celtic and Sports had to win away at Bamber Bridge.

So, onto the day of the match. The Chairman had arranged for the players and management to travel on a luxury coach to help with preparation for the game. A good number of supporters joined them with another minibus (not so luxurious) carrying the rest of the Sports faithful.

It was a bleak rainy day in Lancashire that greeted us when we arrived at the Brigg, home of Bamber Bridge. Whilst the players prepared for the game the travelling support prepared by quaffing ale in various local hostelries – much needed to calm the nerves of course!

Finally, 3.00PM arrived and what happened over the next couple of hours will live in the memory for many years. Bamber Bridge started the brighter of the two teams and Sports were struggling to get a foothold in the game. 

However, as the half went on the game became more even with few chances for either team to make a breakthrough. The game was approaching half time when news came through that Marine had just gone 1-0 down at Farsley which brought a cheer among the Sports supporters. 

The first part of the great escape was happening but the fact of the matter was that Sports still needed to win their own game to survive. In the 42^nd minute disaster struck! Bamber Bridge had a dangerous free kick which was floated into the box. The Sports keeper Lewis King came out to punch the ball clear but Danny Forbes got in just before him to place his header into the bottom corner – 1-0 to Bamber Bridge. The referee blew for half time and the reality was starting to sink in – Sports were on the brink of relegation.

Manager John McGrath must have given some team talk at Half Time as Sports started the second half really positively. In addition, John had made a substitution at the break bringing on forward Shaquille McDonald – what an inspired substitution this would prove to be! The game ebbed and flowed with Sports having slightly the upper hand. We were now nearly half an hour into the second half and the scores remained the same in both games. Then Jake Scott dribbled into the box and was brought down by a defender – penalty to Sports! Up stepped substitute McDonald to take the spot kick and with no fear blasted the ball down the middle of the goal. Joy (and relief) among the travelling supporters was greeted with further good news – Marine were now 2-0 down so one more goal could do the miracle for Sports.

There was now just 5 minutes to go and hope was turning towards despair as the scores remained the same. With just a few minutes of the season left we were going down! But then up stepped that man McDonald again. Sports won a free kick just outside the box. Shaquille whipped in a shot that the keeper could only parry and the ball went straight to Evan Garnett who from a very tight angle stuck the ball in the bottom corner. The Sports supporters went wild celebrating the goal – the great escape was now on!

We reached the 90 minute mark and then played nearly 5 minutes of injury time during which Bamber Bridge went close on a couple of occasions. Finally, after what felt like hours the Referee blew the final whistle! Mickleover Sports had beaten the drop. The scenes were fantastic – players and managers were in a heap on the pitch and the supporters were dancing with joy! I remember texting family members to give them the great news when a Facebook notification came through from Mickleover Sports. It simply said ‘WE’VE DONE IT!’ That’s when it became very emotional!

Having watched football for nearly 50 years I can honestly say that I have never experienced anything like this. It will always be my favourite footballing moment.

by Peter Scherer

Top of the League is what all football managers dream of, but only some experience it.

Mickleover gaffer John McGrath takes a look at the present situation.

When we came back to play the Radcliffe game before Christmas, I was optimistic that the season would be able to carry on and finish. But then we had Christmas, new guidelines and we just have to wait to see if the league have any ideas.

Various suggestions have been made about continuing, but with no imminent review due, the future is far from clear.

Split regions, points per game averages have all been discussed.

Whatever happens the pride of topping the league stands prominent.

We have been shooting way above our level, as one of the bottom six or seven budget wise in the whole league.

I wouldn’t have replaced any of the players this year though, as it’s a good blend of youth and experience with a good work rate.

Everyone’s contracts end in May and I am in talks with them all to confirm they will stay with us.

Whether we play again this season or not, it will hopefully be my easiest pre-season yet and I think as a club we are in the best position now since we came here.