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.

by Peter Scherer

Archie White is returning to Mickleover FC for the forthcoming season. Signed from Buxton at the start of last season, a versatile, attacking and tenacious midfielder, he was one of our top scorers too.

I really enjoyed it at Mickleover last season, although we didn’t achieve our ambitions. But we’ve now made some good signings, have a much stronger squad to push for promotion and I want to be part of it

he said.

Archie played numerous positions for us last season to show his versatility, so I hope we can find a more consistent position for him his time. He is comfortable in possession and is an attacking threat. He loves playing the ball and we want that to be infectious, along with his lively personality

added manager Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Saturday sees Mickleover’s pre-season campaign spring into action, with a visit to United Counties League Division One Pinxton.

Our hosts were formed in 1994 and until a few years ago were in the same league as Mickleover Reserves.

Mark Richards became manager for the 22/23 season and gained promotion to their current league the following year. Now settled at Step 6, they finished 8th in the league in 24/25 and 11th last season.

They play at the Roofsol Welfare Arena, where last Saturday they went down 1-2 to Selby Town, after two second half goals from their visitors.

It’s your first chance to see some of Mickleover’s new arrivals, kick off is 3pm. Head for the ground on Wharf Road NG16 6LG, with parking available at Pinxton Miners Welfare, where there is also a licensed bar and food available.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have added attacking midfielder Theo Rowe to the their squad for the forthcoming season. A former Stoke City youngster, he was previously at Anstey Nomads too.

Theo spent last season at Coleshill Town and had also played for Banbury, Redditch, Alvechurch and Boldmere.

I saw what was happening here at Mickleover and want to be part of the project to improve my game and see what I can do. I was successful last season, leading scorer at Coleshill, so I am looking for double figures again

he said.

Theo is a really exciting player, he’s direct with the ability to beat players on the inside and the outside. His goal tally from the wing last season was really good. We had spoken to him a lot since the end of the season and he knows what he wants to achieve and that he can do that with us

replied Sports gaffer Gareth Holmes.

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.