by Peter Scherer

Andy Dales will be starting his fifth season at Mickleover since returning to the club in August 2021.

As well as being the scorer of some crucial goals over the years, Andy also became club captain last year.

At end of every season I look at things, but this is my home and I hope to end my playing career here, but not yet. The club have done a lot for me and I have known everyone here for over 10 years. It’s a family club and I love it

he said.

As well as giving his heart and soul to his “home” club, Andy also coaches the Mickleover based Derby County Community Trust Academy.

We all know how important Dalesy is to Mickleover. His loyalty and his passion for this club are evident whenever he puts the shirt on. To say I am delighted to have him here next season is an understatement

said Sport boss Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover manager Gareth Holmes has added central midfielder Harry Wood to his squad for the forthcoming season.

25 year old Wood played his youth football at Chesterfield and Matlock, before spending 2 ½ years in Malta with Lija Athletic and Mgarr Utd.

“I knew about Gareth and how big a club Mickleover is. I liked the ground and what the club stand for, with the style of play and ambition. I want to be part of that ambition and get us back up with promotion,” he said.

Since returning to the UK in February 2022, he has played for Grantham, Stamford and Matlock and spent the latter part of last season at Belper Town.

“Harry has got some really good experience for someone of his age. He’s a player who plays on the edge which I like. He does both sides of the game, having the ability to compete, create and chip in with a few goals,” said Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover are pleased to confirm that home grown talent Brandon Ferron has put pen to paper for the forthcoming season.

The young pacey wing back has been part of the first team squad for the last couple of seasons, but after a couple of loan spells in 23/24, he became a regular starter last season.

I really enjoyed last year as it was a breakthrough season for me. I want to play more though and be fully involved with the team. I will take each game as it comes, but aim to be in the starting line-up every game

he said.

Brandon had some really strong performances last season. He possesses physical and technical attributes of someone who can go higher in the game. We now need to help him be more consistent and believe in his own ability more too

added Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover fans favourite Yusuf Mersin has left the club and will playing in the Northern Premier League for Hyde Utd next season.

After making his debut for the reserves against Linby Colliery in 2024, Yusuf soon became the first choice keeper, with previous first choice player Oliver Bosworth unable to regain his place.

Yusuf saw out the rest of the 23/24 season and only missed a few games last season, while on paternity leave. His move to Hyde will be nearer both his Merseyside home and the Steven Gerrard Academy where he is a coach.

Everyone at Mickleover wishes Yusuf the best of fortunes in his future career and thank him for his valuable contribution to the club.

Former Barnsley junior Danny Benson is the latest player to commit to Mickleover for next season.

I thought Dan did very well individually last season. he was pushing Dalesy for managers player of the year and gives us physicality and quality.

He has lots of admirers from higher leagues and so it’s great that he wants to stay on and push forward with us again next season

said Mickleover boss Gareth Holmes.

Danny made his Mickleover FC debut at Bamber Bridge last October, having started the season at Matlock Town. He soon became a first choice centre back with some impressive performances in difficult circumstances, forming a strong partnership with George Wilkinson in the latter part of the season, which will continue in 25/26.

I’m delighted to sign for another year at Mickleover. It’s a good club who look after young players and give good opportunities to progress. I’m looking forward to the new season and hopefully get promotion straight back up to the NPL

Danny replied.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have signed former Mansfield Town midfielder James Matthews for the forthcoming season.

After two years with the Stags in their under 18’s, he spent last season at AFC Mansfield and has also played for Carlton Town, Frickley Athletic, Sherwood Colliery and Hallam.

I knew Mickleover were a good club and after talking to Gareth about his plans, his style of play interested me and I was keen to sign. Every midfielder wants double digits in goals, but I see my role as more of a holding midfielder, playing in front of the defence and being a provider for the scorers

he said.

James provides us with something different, he’s 6ft 3in combative and very athletic, all the traits that he will need in abundance. He has lots of personality and will be great for the group on and off the field

added Sports manager Gareth Holmes.

James is also a competitive triathlete and Ironman participant, Nationally and Internationally.

by Peter Scherer

Centre back George Wilkinson has been one of the first players to commit to Mickleover for next season, after some impressive performances in latter part of the season, following his signing from Ilkeston in February.

I’m delighted that George has signed. He made a really positive impact on the team when he joined us. He’s intelligent, mobile, good on the ball and wants to defend. T

o have a player that’s young and has the experience of playing in steps 2 & 3 wanting to commit to us, it’s great and an important building block for next seasons ambitions.

said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

I decided I wanted to stay at Mickleover because of the ambition to get back up into the NPL Premier Division. Coming in last year I enjoyed my time at the club and we got some good results and it’s a club that belongs in step 3.I got on well with the other players, the management and everyone and fancied the promotion challenge with the club.

Wilkinson replied.

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