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by Peter Scherer

Barnsley FC youngster Charlie Hickingbottom has joined Mickleover on a youth loan. A central midfielder or defender and former Derby County junior, Hickingbottom signed pro at the beginning of last season and made his first team debut in the EFL Cup.

I had watched Charlie play a couple of times and liked what I saw. I think he has a big part to play in our squad looking forward

said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

I have been playing in junior sides and wanted some experience in senior football. I am local to Mickleover and had seen them play, so it’s a good move for me

Hickingbottom added.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover’s senior pro and experienced striker Stuart Beavon has a change oof roles this season, as he joins manager Gareth Holmes’ new line-up as player-coach.

I see my role growing as we get into the season, especially helping and coaching the strikers

he said.

His season kicked off in true fashion last weekend, scoring the opening goal in the 4-1 win over Chesterfield’s youth team.

by Peter Scherer

Former Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday Junior Leojo Davidson is the latest Mickleover FC signing, having spent last season at Basford Utd, following  a spell at Barrow and his release from the Owls in July 2023.

During his time at Hillsborough he made one first team appearance in the EFL Cup, and is a right sided player, who can play full back, midfield or on the wing.

I’m happy to join Mickleover, I have played at this level before and it’s a good club. I am excited at the move and I am setting myself a target to score goals, set up others and make an impact to be noticed

he said.

Leojo has an excellent pedigree having played at Manchester City then going on to Sheffield Wednesday 1st team. He also represented England as a Youth International. He’s a dynamic player who wants to excite and beat players and we look forward to working with him to reach his full potential

added Mickleover manager Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover Manager Gareth Holmes has added experienced central midfielder Curtis Weston to his squad after signing from Buxton.

Weston was an FA Cup runner-up with Millwall back in 2004 and has made over 400 league appearances for Swindon Town, Leeds Utd, Scunthorpe, Gillingham and Barnet through the Championship, Leagues One and Two and won the Conference title during his stay with Barnet.

More recently he has played for Buxton and Fylde in the National League North, after a four-stay in the National League with Chesterfield.

I had spoken to Gareth and saw what he wanted to do at Mickleover football wise, attractive and sort of game I enjoy. There’s a great set-up at the club and it’s a new start, I used to set myself targets but take it as it comes and enjoy it

he said.

Curtis’s career speaks for is self. He played in the Northern conference last year and he is another strong character, that we are bringing in. His experience, game intelligence and defensive qualities makes him another strong addition and I’m really pleased that in-spite of other options he’s chosen to be here at Mickleover

Holmes added.

Mickleover manager Gareth Holmes hsd announced his former Hucknall Town team mate Mick Galloway as his assistant for the forthcoming season.

Nottinghamshire born Galloway had a long playing career, starting out at Notts County and making over 300 senior appearances throughout the English and Scottish Leagues, with Gillingham, Lincoln, Chesterfield, Carlisle, Gretna, Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath.

He played for various non league teams too, before trying his hand at management with Hucknall Town, Gedling and Long Eaton Utd.

Working with Gareth again was a no brainer when he approached me to join him at Mickleover. We go back many years and our work ethics and philosophy are the same

he explained.

When I signed Gareth from Ilkeston I knew straight away what type of person and character he was, a winner, and an honest and genuine young man

Holmes is delighted to have his former team mate joining the management team.

I’ve known Mick a long time, we played together and I’ve played for him when he managed in the Northern Premier. He’s honest hardworking, passionate and understands the game

Holmes replied.

He has all the qualities that I really value and want our team to have in abundance. He’ll be an integral part, in what is already a very strong management team, with Stuart Beavon and Jonah Jones

he concluded.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have added Loughborough University striker Dylan Edwards to their squad for next season. Edwards is the Universities all-time leading scorer, having played for them for the last three seasons.

He had also represented Wales at Futsal and is the Grandson of Welsh Rugby Union legends Sir Gareth Edwards.

I like to play winger or striker, but coming to Mickleover will give me the chance to test myself and maybe create other opportunities. When I was introduced to Gareth Holmes his enthusiasm impressed me and I was convinced that a move to Mickleover would be a good one for me

he said.

Dylan’s going to be really exciting for us, he wants to learn and improve as a player, he’s athletic fast and direct. He’s scored a lot of goals during his time at Loughborough and is versatile in the roles he can play. He is a great addition to the team and we are really looking forward to working with him

added Sports manager Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Having seen out the latter part of last season to the play-off semi-finals with some outstanding performances, goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin has re-signed for the coming season.

The former Millwall and Liverpool Junior and Turkish Youth International, was signed from Irish Club Harland & Wolf and was keen to return to the Don Amott Arena for the new term.

I really wanted to come back to Mickleover, as I enjoyed it so much, even though I had offers nearer to my home. When I arrived I had so much help from our goalkeeping coach Jonah Jones, he was brilliant with me. He rebuilt my confidence so I hit the ground running and he gave me the enthusiasm to feel part of the team.

I can’t fault the club, it has a great family feel and you feel the supporters are really with you, even when it doesn’t go right.

said Mersin.

Yusef gives us a real physical presence in goal, which is what we wanted as we move into the Northern Prem. I thought he was excellent at the end of last season. He’s commanding in the air and an excellent shot stopper. Again he’s someone who’s had other offers, but has chosen to sign here, which is testament to the things that are going on.

said Mickleover boss Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

Experienced defensive midfielder Will Atkinson will be back in a Mickleover shirt again this season, having initially planned to move to Coalville.

Having arrived from Boston Utd in pre-season Atkinson was one of the stand-out players in last years line-up, showing his experience and skill as a calming influence.

I didn’t really want to leave Mickleover, but it was a new league and id would mean more travelling for me. But I have managed to sort that out now and so I am pleased to be staying.We had a good group of lads last year and I am glad some of them are staying too

said Atkinson.

Will and I have spoken quiet a few times since the end of the season and I’ve been really impressed with the type of person he is! His Honesty and Drive have really shone through. He’s an intelligent player with a excellent ability to develop the ball and break up play, so I’m delighted he has agreed to sign for next season

added Manager, Gareth Holmes.