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by Peter Scherer

Striker Harvey Smith finally made his Mickleover debut in our win at Coventry Utd, having previously been unavailable since signing from Lichfield City in pre-season. Smith had been at Studley until Coventry Sphinx signed him in November 2020. He spent over five years at Sphinx, but had a four-year lay-off, before his prolific goalscoring came to Lichfield’s attention and they signed him last January.

“I got on well with the gaffer when we met at the last game I played against you. He had seen me in other games and called me a few times, then invite me down. It’s a really nice set up and I was impressed enough to make the move, so I am now hoping to share in the success,” said Harvey.

“Harvey has a real edge to his game and caused us problems last year with directness, physicality and tireless work rate. It’s great they he will causing our opponents the same problems next season,” replied Mickleover boss Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Darryl Powell is the latest addition to the Mickleover squad and made his debut as a second half substitute in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Barwell.

Having played most of his career at centre back, he was in the Nottingham Forest Academy, before moving to Lincoln City. He has spent time at both Birmingham City and Crewe Alexandra and went to Bromsgrove Sporting n loan, before having some time out.

“Darryl had been at a few clubs, but he’s got pedigree, the right application to learn and showed real quality with us during pre-season,” said Sports gaffer Gareth Holmes.

“I was keen to come to Mickleover as I am a local lad and knew Gareth from my Forest Academy days, liking his character and his coaching style. I had time away from the game, but now I’m back doing what I love to do,” Darryl replied.

He’s the son of Darryl senior too, the former Rams and Jamaica international midfielder.

The Sports Report is ready to view for today’s game…

CLICK HERE

The Sports Report is ready to view for today’s game…

CLICK HERE

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have signed vastly experienced midfielder Terry Hawkridge. Having played in both Leagues One and Two, with Scunthorpe, Mansfield Town and Notts County, Terry had spent two years with Eastwood until he joined Sherwood Collieries last March.

He’s also played for Lincoln City, Boston Utd and Solihull Moors among others.

“We were really pleased to get to speak to Terry, and as soon as we knew he was available we had to move very quickly to get a player of his quality. We got him and we are really pleased to have him on board,” said Sports gaffer Gareth Holmes.

“I like the ambition and the way the club is going. I had spoken with Gareth and Billy, and they have a good young team here. I am happy to be one of the experienced players to push them on,” Hawkridge replied.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover boss Gareth Holmes has added teenaged striker Yerim Zoko to his squad. A former West Bromwich Albion Under 21’s player, he has spent the last year at Notts County and also had a month on loan at Matlock Town last season.

“I had just left Notts County and knew Hamza Bencherif through my family. He suggested I came down for a session, I liked it and felt aligned and excited with the coaching,” he said.

“Yerim is a very young and exciting player, with loads of pace, a hunger to improve and a desire to win. He adds even more to our attacking options,” Holmes added.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have signed striker Luca Alonzi from National League Boston Utd.

A former Nottingham Forest junior, he moved to Boston in August 2024 and had loan spells at Stamford and Leamington last season.

I had spoken to Billy who told me about the club, then it was an easy decision for me. My targets are 20 goals, promotion and stay in the starting line-up

said Luca.

We are really pleased to have him with us. There’s more competition for places and he has the ability to be a constant attacking threat, having scored at this level and higher with a positive pedigree

Mickleover boss Gareth Holmes replied.

by Peter Scherer

Pre-season comes to an end on Saturday with Mickleover hosting a Burton Albion XI in the annual KC Trust game for the Keith Calladine Trophy.

Mickleover will be trying to make it three in a row, having won the trophy 5-0 last season and 3-1 in ‘24/25.

It’s home fans last chance to see our new additions before it starts to get serious, with Winsford Utd away in the FA Cup on August 8th and then a visit to Nuneaton on the 11th, before we make our seasonal home league debut.

Kick off at Station Road on Saturday is 12.30, which still leaves time for both Derby and Burton fans to get over to the Pirelli Stadium where they contest the Bass Charity Vase at 3pm.

It’s worth fans arriving early as there will be pre-match announcements on the clubs future direction.