by Peter Scherer

After earning the first- choice keepers shirt for the second half of last season, Supporters Play of the Year Jack McDowell is staying at Mickleover and is keen to prove himself again.

Last year I gained a lot experience and I am here again to fight for a starting place. There’s going to be a lot of competition with Aaron Chapman and I can’t wait

he said.

I think a lot of Jack as both a person and a goalkeeper. He did really well for us last season, especially for someone so young. He knows the skill sets that we want him to develop in and I have every confidence that he will go from strength to strength

replied Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

We are pleased to announce that our management team for the forthcoming season will be led by Gareth Holmes, with Billy Heath as his assistant.

Billy is well known to everyone in non-league football, after his seven-year spell at Alfreton Town, taking them to National League North Play-offs twice and the second round proper of the FA Cup.

He also tasted success at Bridlington and Frickley, before winning the FA Trophy with North Ferriby and gaining them promotion to the National League the following season, and has managed Halifax too.

During the second half of last season he became a familiar face on the Mickleover touchline, where he now becomes a permanent fixture.

Really looking forward to the season, we have done an awful lot of work in the off season, to bring in the players we have. It’s nice to be able to do that from a coaching and staff point of view as well.

Billy brings a lot of experience and expertise from where he’s been and the level he’s been at. I think me and him will compliment each other with our individual strengths and we look forward to having a really, really positive season

said Gareth.

I’m really pleased to be at Mickleover, a great club, always run well and very happy to be part of it. We’re looking forward to an exciting season ahead.

Billy added.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover Football Club can confirm that Stuart Beavon has departed the club following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Beavon, who was offered an extension to remain with the club in a more prominent coaching role, has made the decision to move on in search of increased game time – a choice that everyone at Mickleover fully respects.

Manager Gareth Holmes said:

Bev and I have spoken over the summer, and it’s clear to see that he still has a real desire to play as much as he can. Bev has been great for the club and for me. I respect his decision and him and his family will always be welcome at the club.

Initially joining on loan from Nuneaton Borough before making his move permanent in 2020, Beavon made an immediate impact. He announced himself with 10 goals in his first season, quickly becoming a firm favourite among supporters. Over the years, he has delivered many memorable moments in a Mickleover shirt. From his goalscoring contributions to helping drive the team to a play-off semi-final. One moment, in particular, will live long in the memory – his outstanding goals against Oldham Athletic in the FA Trophy, goals that are etched firmly into the club’s recent history. Across an outstanding career spanning both the Football League and non-league game, Beavon has consistently demonstrated quality, intelligence, and a relentless work ethic.

Everyone at Mickleover Football Club would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Stuart for his outstanding contribution and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.

by Peter Scherer

Vastly experienced goalkeeper Aaron Chapman has signed for Mickleover, after spending last season at National League North Kings Lynn.

Aaron has played in EFL leagues one and two, plus the Scottish Premiership, with the likes of Accrington Stanley, Bristol Rovers, Peterborough Utd, Tranmere Rovers, Gillingham and Motherwell and ended last season on loan at Clitheroe.

I had previously spoken to the management and was impressed. I’m ready to go part time now and have seen the set up and the players who Mickleover are signing. They are a good club with a good reputation and I am happy to be joining them

he said.

Aaron is a goalkeeper with vast experience and gives us an imposing figure at the back. He communicates well and I am looking forward to having him with us and more clean sheets

said Mickleover boss Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Striker Ty Waite had rejoined Mickleover FC for the forthcoming season.

A former Notts County youngster, Ty made nine first team appearances for the Magpies after they had signed him from Ilkeston. But after loans at Nuneaton and Ilkeston, he moved to Lincoln City, which preceded a spell in Sweden with Skelleftea.

He came back to the UK with Nuneaton again, and played for Kidderminster, Boston Utd, Matlock, Stafford and Tamworth. He then joined Coalville and Nuneaton again and spent five months back at Ilkeston, before joining Mickleover in February 2024.

He scored five goals from 15 games in our play-off year, but started the following season at Basford. After he started last season at Barwell, he went to Rugby Borough and scored the winning goal against us late season.

It’s local for me and I enjoyed my time at the club including the play-off. I have heard more good things from the management about the ambitions, know a few of the lads already signed, so I here aiming for double figure goals and promotion

he said.

He scored eight goals in 14 games at Rugby last season, so we know he hits the ground running. His past pedigree gives us some strong options. He knows the club well from before and he’s clear on his aims for the season and our ambitions at Mickleover

Sports gaffer Gareth Holmes replied.

by Peter Scherer

Experience Striker Kane Richards has joined Mickleover FC, after finishing last season with Rugby Borough.

He started his career at Derby County and after a loan spell at Matlock Town, joined Ilkeston following his release.

His next stop was Chester City, which included loan at Gainsborough, before moving on to Dover Athletic. He played for Telford and Kidderminster too before having his first spell at Basford. After further moves to Nuneaton and Kettering, he rejoined Basford in February 2024, staying a year before moving to Barwell and finally Rugby Borough last February.

I have known Kane a long time, since his time at Derby. He plays exciting direct football to threaten the goal and has the ambition to succeed with us

said Sports gaffer Gareth Holmes.

I like to play wide on the right or left and like the plans for the future the management have here. I worked with Gareth early in my career and this is a good move for me

Kane replied.

by Peter Scherer

Coventry Utd will be playing against us in Step 4 for the first time in their fairly short history.

Founded in 2013, the Nick Newbold Stadium is their home, which they share with Coventry Rugby Club, and has a 4,000 capacity.

They have been in the United Counties Premier Division South for the last few years and gained promotion last season via the play-offs, after finishing second in the league.

Manager Terry Anderson and assistant Luke Morton have already confirmed that they will be staying on for the forthcoming season and they have signed a number of new players to join the retained players from their promotion line-up.

Club honours
• Midland Football League Division One
• Winners: 2015–16
• Midland Football League Division Two
• Winners: 2014–15
• Midland Football League Division Three
• Runners-Up: 2013–14
• Presidents Cup
• Winners: 2014–15
• Birmingham FA Challenge Vase
• Runners-Up: 2013–14
. FA Vase Quarter finalists 2025-16

We looking forward to making you welcome on your first visit to Mickleover.

by Peter Scherer

Former Derby County and Barnsley youngster Charlie Hickingbottom is returning to Mickleover FC after spending last season in the National League North with Peterborough Sports.

Charlie is either central midfield or central defence and was previously at Station Road on loan from Barnsley at the beginning of 24/25, returning to his parent club in January last year.

Chaz did really well for the club during his loan in 2024. He has since played at Gainsborough and Peterborough Sports at Step 2 and captained them on a few occasions. We’ve watched his continuing development and it’s a real statement to get him back at the club. He plays beyond his years and has a real competitive edge to his game

said Mickleover manager Gareth Holmes.

After speaking to the management I am delighted to be back for what should be a successful season. When I first came to Mickleover on loan, it was my first experience of men’s football. Now I have experience of Step 2 and ready to play my part on and off the pitch

Charlie replied.

by Peter Scherer

A product of Mickleover’s own youth scheme, Josh and Liam Carter will both be aiming for match time this season.

Orthodox wingers both have proven pace and spent part of last season out on loan at Belper Utd and Heanor Town, before becoming regular squad members towards the end of our campaign, which included Josh scoring his first senior goal.

“There was no second thoughts about staying at Mickleover after we were brought back into the squad at the end of last season. It’s time to say thanks for the opportunities we’ve been given as it gave us time to get used to the league we are in. It’s time to kick on and proved ourselves,” said Josh.

“Josh is a player with so much potential. He’s exciting and direct and we saw exceptional moments from him towards the end of last season, his goal against Rugby springs to mind. He now needs to believe in his ability and strive for consistency,” said gaffer Gareth Holmes.

“It was an obvious choice for me too, I learned a lot out on loan, started to get assists and score goals and I want to do it more with Mickleover. We know we still have a lot to learn and it’s now time to prove that and learn,” Liam added.

“Liam had a difficult season last year with injuries etc, but these experiences help him grow and be even better moving forward. He’s another player with real pace and ability and it’s gear to have him back with the club,” Gareth replied.

by Peter Scherer

St.Ives Town are well-known to us from our two seasons in the Southern Premier league.

Ricky Marheineke has been manager since 2014 at the Westwood, which holds up to 2,000 fans and has a 3G pitch.

They were relegated last season after finishing19th in the SPL, but apart from being ninth in 23/24, they have tended to be around the bottom half of the table.

In our play-off year of 23/24 we beat them 2-0 away with a Marcus Barnes double but lost 0-5 on the return at Mickleover.

Former Rams, Northern Ireland and now Matlock Town striker Conor Washington started his career at St.Ives too.

In 2027 they celebrate their 140th anniversary too and in 2011/12 reached the quarter finals of the FA Vase, but as yet have no title wins or further cup success under their belts.

We look forward to welcoming then back to Mickleover again this season.