by Peter Scherer

Centre back Dwayne Wiley is heading back to Mickleover for 26/27, having signed from Matlock Town.

He left Sports back in July 2016 to join Matlock Town and then spent five years at Alfreton Town before returning to the Gladiators at the start of last season. He was part of the Mickleover team that won the 2014/15 NPL Division One South title too, in the same team as Andy Dales and Jake Bennett

“Dwayne needs no introduction to the club have played here before. His game know how, physicality and leadership fits the profile we are looking for this season. It’s important we improve the group and this is another signing that does this,” said Mickleover manager Gareth Holmes.

“I’ve done the full circle, Mickleover with Glenn Kirkwood and Craig Hopkins and then went with them to Matlock, Alfreton with Billy Heath, Matlock and back to Mickleover, so back where I started. But as soon as I spoke to the management I knew it was the right move for me, stable, competitive and challenging and that suits me. It’s a great club and happy to be coming back,” Dwayne replied.

by Peter Scherer

Will Atkinson will be at Mickleover again this year for his fourth season. The former Hull City and Bradford City midfielder has proved his popularity by being voted Players Player of the Year for the last two season and best dressed last year too.

It’s the club as a whole that brings me back, the facilities , management and fans and I have formed a number of friendships too, so it’s a combination really. Last year stood us in good stead for a promotion push this time, as we know what to expect

he explained.

Will has been excellent both on and off the field in his time at the club. His standard sets the tone for others, he leads by example and I thought he was one of our strongest performers at the end of last season. It’s great to have him back with us again

added sports gaffer Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover’s latest signing is striker Harvey Smith from Lichfield City. 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

After seeing out the season at Mickleover in his second loan spell from Bradford Park Avenue, former Sheffield Wednesday defender and youth team captain Josh Ashman is returning for the new term.

I was really pleased with Josh during his loan spells last year and it was difficult when he was recalled. He provides us with lots of different option, he’s mobile, aggressive and can use the ball well

said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

I really enjoyed my loan spells with the club last year and I know Gareth wanted me to come back. The plans and ambitions were explained to me, so I confirmed I wanted to be part of it and now aim for promotion back to the Northern Premier League

Josh replied.

by Peter Scherer

Centre back George Wilkinson has confirmed he is staying on at Mickleover FC for another season. Having signed from Ilkeston in February 2024, George has been a pivotal part of the Sports defence.

“It’s good to be coming back for another season, and hopefully we will be pushing for promotion unlike last years disappointment. I want to progress to another step in my career, but have enjoyed my time so much at Mickleover, I would like that progress to be with them,” he said.

“I thought George was Mr Consistent last season. He provides us with good athleticism and physicality and wants to improve, showing his hunger to compete,” added Mickleover manager Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have added former Ilkeston Town defender or defensive midfielder Callum Minkley to the squad for the new season.

A former Derby County Junior, Callum spent two years at Gainsborough before joining Ilkeston in September 2023 and was promoted from Step 4 to Step 3 with Long Eaton Utd and Ilkeston.

Callum is a player that I’ve known for a long time. He’s won this league before, captained clubs and brings real desire to compete. He’s an excellent character and I’m sure the fans will take to him straightaway,

says Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

Having spoken to the management and hearing the ambition for the club, it was an easy decision for me. I have played with a few of the other players too and knowing Gareth from my Derby days, I think this will help a lot coming to Mickleover,

Callum replied.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have signed former Worksop Town centre back and skipper Hamza Bencherif for the forthcoming season.

A former Nottingham Forest Junior, Hamza has also played to Notts County, Lincoln City, Plymouth Argyle, Macclesfield, Halifax, Wrexham and York City and was at Guiseley for three years, before spending the last four with Worksop.

He was also capped at under 20 level by Algeria and won the FA Trophy in consecutive years with Halifax and York.

I had spoken to the management at the end of last season, and we discussed prospects and ambition and how they hoped the future would go. I have the experience and think we should be a good fit, and my ambition and drive are a key part why I said yes,

he explained.

It was obvious we needed to add physicality and leadership to the group and Hamza brings this in abundance. Having captained Worksop last year and helped them get promoted from step 4 to step 2. He’s another tremendous addition to the club,

added Mickleover manager Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

After spending the second half of last season at the Don Amott Arena on loan from Boston Utd, Mickleover are delighted to confirm that ex Manchester Utd and Nottingham Forest Academy striker Manni Norkett has made his move permanent for the forthcoming season.

Manni did really well for the club when he came in last season, scoring 13 goals in 15 games. This record attracted a lot of interest, but he wants to improve and wants to score more goals. The club gave him a great opportunity to thrive and he knows what we are looking to achieve next season

said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

It was in terms of my football that drew me back to Mickleover. Last season I was happy with my football, and that’s the most important thing to me and I enjoyed scoring goals again. The club has a lot of good prospects and if everything is done right, we can definitely make the step up. The area, facilities and fan base, I haven’t seen better in non-league,

Manni added.