Category: Club News

Six in a Row for Bennett

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.

Offler Joins Sports

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.

Beavon’s Ready For Season Ahead

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.

Bosworth’s Back In Town

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.

Important Cup Dates for the Upcoming Season

We will enter The FA Cup in the Preliminary Round on Saturday 16th August 2025 – We are exempt from the Extra Preliminary Round. So our friendly with Leek Town on Friday 1st August can continue as planned.

We join in The FA Trophy in The Preliminary Round on Saturday 23rd August 2025.

Finally we will enter The FA Youth Cup in the Preliminary Round where the game will be played the week commencing Monday 1st September 2025.

The draws for all three competitions will be released on Friday 4 July 2025.

Big Announcement from Mickleover Veterans Football Team!

We’re proud to share that over the past few weeks, Mickleover Veterans FC have been in meaningful discussions with Derby County Community Trust and their incredible Team Talk programme.

As a result of these conversations, we’re thrilled to announce that Team Talk will now feature on the back of our brand-new warm-up and training tops. This is more than just a logo – it’s a statement of support and a step towards raising awareness for men’s mental health.

Mental wellbeing is something we care deeply about, and we wanted to give something back to the community that supports us. By proudly wearing Team Talk on our kits, we aim to help break the stigma around men opening up and encourage others to seek support when they need it.

What is Team Talk?

Team Talk is Derby County Community Trust’s peer support programme for men, offering a safe, welcoming space to talk, connect, and support one another.

The programme includes:

  • Monthly workshops and activities
  • Walking groups
  • Q&A sessions with special guests
  • A chance to meet new people and share experiences.

We’re honoured to help shine a light on this brilliant initiative. Stay tuned for more updates and pictures of the new kits soon!

Webb Returns

By Peter Scherer

After four years away, striker Paddy Webb is returning to Mickleover this season. The former Nottingham Forest, Derby County and Mansfield Town youngster, came to Sports initially in 2019 after an impressive scoring record for Eastwood CFC.

He scored on his debut, but his time at the Don Amott Arena was interrupted by the covid lockdowns. After moving onto Ilkeston and Basford in 2021, he joined Quorn, spending three seasons with the Leicestershire side, taking the NPL Midlands Division title last season and scoring 83 goals.

“I’m delighted to be back at Mickleover. I loved my time here a few years ago and had some of my most memorable footballing moments. The club is run brilliantly and the environment is something that i am looking forward to coming back into. The season is only round the corner and I’m hoping we get off to a flyer and get the club back to the level it should be,” he said.

“I’m so pleased to have Paddy on board, and he’s genuinely pleased to be back. It was important that we strengthened in the attacking areas of the pitch, and i feel Paddy definitely does that. His goal record at this level speaks for itself, and it’s another statement of our intent this year,” Mickleover boss Gareth Holmes replied.

Keane Joins Quorn FC

by Peter Scherer

Former Mickleover midfielder Cieron Keane has joined NPL Midlands Division Champions Quorn FC for the forthcoming season.

Keane will be remembered for his sensational debut goal for Sports in the home FA Cup tie against Coleshill Town last season. But his future participation was interrupted through injury, restricting his appearances.

Everyone at the Don Amott Arena wish him well in his new venture.

Homegrown Talent Comes To The Fore

by Peter Scherer

Three of Mickleover’s successful Academy/Derby County Community Trust side have signed up for the 25/26 first team squad.

Defender/midfielder Toby Smith first came into the squad in late 23/24. He made three starts last season and was on the bench a number of times too, as well as gaining more experience in a loan spell at Gresley Rovers.

“I’m really happy to be with Mickleover again this season. I am grateful for the first team chances I’ve had so far, every game is a step forward, but I want to build on that. I’m still learning, still pushing, and ready to give everything again this season,” he said.

 

Also stepping up are the Carter twins, Josh and Liam. As well as being top scorer and player of the year for the reserve side, Josh made his first start in the home game against Whitby, as well as starting in the season finale at home to Prescot Cables.

“It wasn’t really a surprise to get this opportunity, as I have worked hard for it. I thank Gareth for trusting me, as I trust myself. I am not setting myself a target as such, but I don’t want to just be on the bench. I want to be a starter, but targeting assists and goals,” said Josh.

Liam sees himself as more of a winger. I like to bring the ball through and attack players, it’s exciting. Hopefully the telepathy I share with Josh will help us both in the team, as I know where he will be without looking. It’s especially important to me, having had seven months out after breaking my hip. I had things to prove to myself and to Gareth,” Liam added.

Liam made his first start for the first team at home to Leek and played again at Ashton, with both he and Josh on the bench on a number of other occasions.

“Sometimes clubs sign players just to say they are giving young players a chance. This is not the case with these three, they are all good players and we are looking forward to working with them. We always want our Academy players to deserve their chance, not just be given a chance because it ticks a box,” said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

“Andy Dales & Steve Powell have done really well with these boys this year. They have been given the licence to express themselves and the information to improve, while developing the day to day standards that is required to progress,” he added.

“Josh and Liam have lots of similarity. Both are exciting runners with the ball, direct, fast and skilful, they are the type footballers that entertain. But they are very unique in their own right and it’s important that we understand that.”

“Toby has already had interest from professional clubs which is great. He has really strong physical attributes, he has the ability to break up play and makes strong runs from midfield. This is an area that we want to work on this year, to enable him to time his runs into the box better and become a goal scoring Midfielder,” Gareth explained.

If anyone would like to sign on for the Mickleover Academy in conjunction with Derby County Community Trust please click the link below. You too could be part of Mickleover FC’s bright future, following in the footsteps of Toby, Josh and Liam.

https://www.derbycountycommunitytrust.com/mickleover-fc-0

 

Dales Stays On

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.