by Peter Scherer

TWO of the Mickleover players from last season have taken another step in their footballing careers.

Former Stoke City midfielder Gaby Adebambo will be playing in tier two of the Czech Republic League with SK Dynamo Ceske Budejovice, while former Blackpool loanee wing Kwaku Donkor will be playing National League with Tamworth.

We wish both players the best of luck in their future careers and thank them for the contribution during their time at Mickleover

said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover managed Gareth Holmes has added midfielder Fraser Corden to the squad for the forthcoming season.

Corden came through the junior ranks at Rushden & Diamonds and played for their Under 21 side before making his first team debut in September 2021.

He has also been a regular member of the first team squad since then and is also a England Futsal International

As I moved to live in Derby, I sent a message and video to Gareth and he offered me a trial. I was fairly optimistic and had confidence in myself after playing the pre-season games, did well and was signed

said Fraser.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have signed versatile left sided player Archie White. He can play winger, midfield or orthodox winger and started his career in Chesterfield’s Academy, where he spent 10 years, including loans at Staveley MW and Matlock Town.

He joined Buxton following his release in July last year and was on a dual registration with Long Eaton Utd. He has also played for Retford and Sheffield FC.

The gaffer got in touch with me, I like the set up here and the style he likes to play, high temp and positive and it suits me. Have a chance, have a shot, so I can’t wait for the season to start

he said.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover fans will delighted to know that player of the year Will Atkinson will be staying with the club for the forthcoming season.

Signed from Boston Utd at the start of 23/24, Atkinson has become one of the most dependable squad members during time at the Don Amott Arena.

Originally a defensive midfielder, he spent much of last season at centre back, with some impressive performances.

It’s my third year at the club and I am pleased to be returning. I have always enjoyed my time here, because as a club they do it right. The Gaffer and his staff are looking to build after last season’s disappointment and I want to be part of it

he said.

It’s great to have Will back, he’s a player of exceptional quality. Having played most of last season out of position, he proved his adaptability. We need his leadership and quality, a great signing

added Sports manager Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover boss Gareth Holmes has added centre back or defensive midfielder Steven Johnson-Fikula to his squad for the forthcoming season.

A former junior at Nottingham Forest, Stoke, Mansfield and Oxford Utd, Johnson-Fikula has spent the last few seasons playing US College football.

After coming through the ranks in the UK I wanted a different taste for football, I wanted a smile back on my face so visited the US and it was a good time

he said.

I had pre-season trials for the MLS with Atlanta and St.Louis and had offers, but I decided I wanted to come back and succeed in the UK as I had unfinished business and now had the energy, talent and age to pursue that.

Mickleover were recommended to me by George Taft and I can’t speak high enough for the club, the environment, it’s a great club. I spoke to the gaffer about his plans and so it was an attractive option for me.

“We’ve been talking to Steven throughout off season. He’s played over in the States for a couple of years, playing in some impressive programs and trialling with a few big clubs. He’s looking to hit the ground running and I’m sure he will start to impress people quickly.” Sports boss Gareth Holmes added.

by Peter Scherer

Having broken into the Mickleover first team squad at the beginning of last season, Fin scored his first goal too, before spending much of his season on loan at Basford and Kimberley Miners Welfare.

The young striker has been dual registered for this season, so will be playing at Kimberley again, as he gains more experience.

It’s a good chance for me to get a full 90 minutes and a chance to prove myself to the Gaffer and Mickleover. My priority is definitely to play as hard as I can

Ryder said.

by Peter Scherer

Jake Bennett has signed up for a sixth successive season with Mickleover, having rejoined Sports for his second spell at the club in summer 2020.

A first choice right back for most of his stay, Jake has been on the receiving end of some long-term injuries in his career, but his determination has seen him fight his way back to be as competitive as ever.

“Its great to have Benno back with us this season. His experience will be key and I expect him to set and drive standards in the group and be an integral part in our push for promotion. We all know what he can bring to the team in 1v1 situations and how dynamic he is going forward. I want to give him more of a licence to attack this season,” said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

Centre back Ashton Offler is the latest addition to the Mickleover squad for this season.

I jumped at the chance to sign when I knew the Gaffer was interested. I knew Mickleover were a strong club from my days at Stamford and I wanted to join a team more local to me

he explained.

After starting his career at Matlock Town, he had a spell at the Sheffield Utd Academy, before returning to the Gladiators following his release.

He has also played for Guiseley and Stamford, before starting last season Rushall Olympic, but then returned to Stamford to complete the season.

Ashton joins us with a really strong pedigree, having played most of his career at steps 2&3. He brings leadership, physicality, and dominance in the air. He also has the ability to find a pass and already knows some of the new lads, which makes him a great fit all round

said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Stuart Beavon is preparing for his sixth full season at Mickleover, having originally signed from Nuneaton back in February 2020.

A regular goal scorer and mentor to some of the younger players, he is already looking forward to the challenge of getting Sports back in the Premier Division of the NPL.

I want to play much as I can still, but obviously my coaching job is important to the team and to me too. I am still learning from the Gaffer and Gallers. This season we want to be right up there from the start, we need to aim high to get straight back up again, but I think we can do it

he said.

What can I say about Bev. Firstly, he’s a really good friend and a very good footballer. He does both his roles really well. Him and Gallers are like a double act and his performances definitely defy his age. He leads the line so well, but was to isolated last year, that won’t happen this year

Sports boss Gareth Holmes added.

by Peter Scherer

After a year away Mickleover welcome goalkeeper Oliver Bosworth to the fold for this season.

The former Leicester City Junior and England Under 18 international came to the Don Amott Arena in December 2022 after a spell with Almumecar City in Spain.

He was originally signed as cover for Jonathan Hedge, but earned himself a place in the regular starting line-up to see out 22/23 and was first choice the following year until injury put him out of action.

Unable to displace Yusuf Mersin to earn his place back, Ollie started last season at Bedford, before joining Barwell, finishing the season on a dual registration with Shepshed Dynamo.

“I know there will be lots of happy faces around the club with the arrival of Boz. After speaking to him I can see why. He’s a great laugh but also really driven. When he came into sign the first thing he did was give Dalesy some banter and I thought you’ll do for me. He’s an excellent shot stopper, really good with his feet and a strong communicator. He fits in really well and I hear his families please he’s back as well, a great addition,” said Mickleover manager Gareth Holmes.

“When the chance to come back was offered, it didn’t take much thinking about, it was what I really wanted, as I never really wanted to leave, but I needed to be playing,” Bosworth replied.

“I always felt I would be back and my goal is to play every match in the forthcoming season and avoid injury. I would like to play Anstey Nomads away first, then I can walk to their ground, plus we owe them one for knocking us out of the FA Cup last season,” he added.