by Peter Scherer

Bobby Battisson is a midfielder who began his football in Spain, before coming to the Mickleover FC Academy at the beginning of last season.

Has he always wanted to be a footballer though?

Since I was about four or five I always knew I wanted to be a footballer. It was a dream and when I moved to England from Spain it was a different experience though, with the style and tempo of the game.

So how did he come to be at Mickleover?

I played for Malaga in Spain, so when I came to England I had quite a lot of interest from English clubs, Wolves, Derby County and a few others.

He then signed for Burton Albion and played in their Academy.

They were quick to offer me a contract. I was 12 years old and played there for three years, until I was 15 and got released. Then I started to play for Mickleover under 18’s.

He is best down for his darting runs as an attacking midfielder, but is that he favoured position?

My preferred position is definitely central attacking midfielder. I had always played in the centre until the last couple of years, from where I have gone more attacking to rack up the goals.

Has he got a role model, or someone he wished to emulate?

Growing up I have always been a fan of Messi and sometimes love jumping onto YouTube and watching clips of him and his movement, because there’s so much to learn from him.

What does he do when he’s not playing football?

I like to spend some time with mates and go down to the local park for kick about.

He’s been doing zoom training session with the rest of the squad during Lockdown. Has that helped?

Yes it helps maintain our fitness and keep the spirit going within the team.

So what does he like doing before a game?

I tend to listen to music, this helps me focus and prepare for the game. I also try to eat a good amount of carbs, so that I have energy to get around the pitch and put in a shift.

Was he surprised how well the team had done last season?

I had been a short season, however we technically finished top on an unstoppable streak of winning and I believe 100% that if the league wasn’t declared null and void, we would would have secured promotion.

by Peter Scherer

Josh Satchwell has become a member of the Mickleover FC first team squad over the last two seasons, having graduated from the teams Academy and reserve sides.

Has he always wanted to be a footballer?

Yes indeed, since the age of seven or eight it has always been my passion.

Although he is a local Derby lad, how did he get onto Mickleover’s books?

I joined the under 16 team first of all, but was also offered a scholarship with Tamworth. But I wanted to play local football and Mickleover is local to me.

He usually plays as a striker, but has he played any other positions so far?

Throughout the teams I have been mainly a striker as a youngster, but as I have got older I got moved around a lot. Striker is still my preferred position though.

As he has made his progress in football has there been any player he has particularly followed or tried to emulate?

The main player I have looked up to throughout has been Derby County manager Wayne Rooney.

He has joined in the zoom sessions with the rest of the first team squad, does he feel that helps with team morale?

Yes it’s helped the team keep fit and stay to together as a team through the Pandemic.

So how does he prepare himself before a match?

I would usually eat early on, then listen to some music to get me in the mood before the game.

He had a trial last year at Coventry City, so what did he learn from that?

It made me see clearly that the opportunity is there for me to progress in my career and it certainly helped me gain a lot more confidence.

Was he surprised how successful the team were up until this last Lockdown?

The season we had just went so quickly and the team were getting stronger and stronger each week.

So what has he missed most during the Lockdown?

The thing I have missed most is playing the matches, but also the training and being able to socialise.

So what was his first reaction then when he heard the season had been declared null and void?

Firstly I did expect it. But I was gutted still as we were top of the league and the lads were flying.

So what has been his fondest memory so far in his growing football career?

It was scoring my first goal for the Mickleover first team. But I just wish I had celebrated the moment a little bit more maybe.

by Peter Scherer

Ben Gowing was another close season signing for Mickleover FC. But the central midfielder had played for Sports Under 19’s before moving on.

To become a footballer was and has always been the dream! Growing up I lived and breathed football and travelled far and wide to try to make it happen. At 28 now I will continue to push to play as high a level as I can!

So apart from playing at Mickleover in the reserves and under 19’s, where else have his footballing travels taken him?

Things started to get serious around 15 or 16 when I began being scouted by pro clubs. I went to Leicester, Derby, Forest and Burton to name a few, but it never worked out.

I signed for Belper Town making my debut in men’s football at 16, which was good experience. Following that I had a trial at Coventry City, where I played for 18 months.”

He has played for Long Eaton, Dunkirk, Belper Utd and Eastwood too.

I started to get serious again a couple of years ago when I decided to focus on getting back up the football pyramid. 

I’ve always trusted in my ability, but maybe lost focus or motivation, getting myself fit and shifting 10KG has certainly helped restore that.

You played with Paddy Webb at Eastwood, so did that help having an ex-team mate in the squad when you came to Mickleover?

Me and Paddy were good mates at Eastwood and it was no surprise to anyone when he signed for Mickleover. We continued to speak after he left, so I heard good things before I got a call from the gaffer too.

Paddy, Wrighty and myself trained together throughout pre-season, which helped make it easier coming into the squad. Then the gaffer brought together a class group of lads, so I don’t think anyone with the right attitude would struggle coming into our changing room.

Has he always played in midfield?

I’ve always played centre midfield and but been more attacking. I have had short spells playing on the right side and the left, but I didn’t have any pace for that. They are my best options though.

So as a midfielder has he had a role model or someone to emulate?

Growing up I always idolised Paul Scholes, but I was mad for the likes of Zidane, Iniesta and Pirlo. I’ll watch any football and find myself studying players and games. I didn’t think I consciously tried to emulate anyone though.

You have been doing zoom training sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, how’s that been?

Definitely Phil Sq-Watt has been killing us with his sessions. He is stuck on page one of the PT manual however and dread to think how many squats, lunges and burpees we’ve done! But the session keeps the banter flying, keeps morale high and the togetherness, but turn the page Sq-Watty.

Away from football what does he like doing?

I’m massively into my fitness, so I would usually find myself in the gym for a fair bit. But with Lockdown’s I’ve really got into running, cycling and hiking. I’m thinking of doing a marathon in the near future.

Away from that the girlfriend and I recently got a puppy, so he is keeping us busy!

I’ve also found myself really into reading and cooking, I would never have imagined that a year ago. We would normally be planning our next city break or holiday, getting out for plenty of food, watching any live sport and spending time with friends and family.

How does he prepare on the eve of a match?

I try to be as professional as I can in my preparation. I will go to the gym for a light session, a swim and stretch the day before. Then on the morning of a match I will go for a short walk and a light stretch, before chilling out and relaxing as much as I can.

I always focus on eating well, even more so the day before and on the day of a game. A pre-match Jam Bagel has become a strange superstition.

We know it’s been a short season again, but were you surprised how well it went?

Stepping up to this level I personally didn’t know what to expect, but there was a real buzz around the squad from day one of pre-season. When you look at the players we have in our side it’s full of quality! But losing our first two games could have crushed any optimism or confidence, but it showed our character that we got stronger with every game from thereon.

Inside the changing room we always knew what we had and I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone at the club that season ended with us top of the league.

When you heard the season was null and void again, what was your first reaction?

Obviously gutted, but knowing how the previous season had ended, I think there was a realistic expectation that it would happen the same way.

We stayed optimistic that we would be able to finish what we’d started and achieve our goal of getting promotion.

As a squad I think the decision has left us hungry to come back stronger next season and get the train back in motion.

What have been your fondest footballing memories so far?

At any level of sport there’s no greater feeling than winning. When I played for Dunkirk I won the League and League Cup and then the League Cup at Long Eaton, so they’re great memories.

I played away at Hereford in their first season after reforming at lower levels of the football pyramid. Playing there in front of 3500 home fans and getting clapped off the pitch despite losing 1-0 was something I’ll always remember.

But signing for Mickleover has to be up there too. I’m a local lad and followed the team since playing in the under 19’w and reserves. Returning now for unfinished business so it’s good to be back!

by Peter Scherer

The vastly experienced Pablo Mills is Mickleover FC’s longest serving player, now into his fifth year at the club.

 He became a footballer almost by accident, as in his teens it wasn’t his preferred sport.

It was never my first choice sport when I was young, it was always Basketball for me. However thanks to my older brother, he got me playing and watching football and from that moment really, I wanted nothing else.

Although he’s from Birmingham, he came to Derby County as a 14 year old.

I was playing for my Sunday team in Birmingham called Romulus, where some of the players had already been picked up by professional clubs. I had trials at Aston Villa, West Brom and Kidderminster Harriers, but I guess they didn’t see the potential at that point.

I didn’t give up then one day a man named Les Dolphin, who was a scout for Derby, tapped me on the shoulder after a game and said he would like to take me to Derby County for a trial. One of the happiest days of my life.

He’s played in quite a few a few positions in his career, but is best known as a defender.

My main position is a central defender. I love the art of defending and it really gave me a good challenge mentally. It isn’t for everyone and we all know that scoring goals is what most want to do, but trying to stop someone for 90 minutes is also satisfying. It’s being comfortable on the ball that brought a different dimension to my play.

Which managers of players have influenced his career the most?

I’ve played under a few great managers, but I would say John Gregory and Steve Evans were probably the best influences. JG gave me my first team debut, believed in me and my talents, even though I was very young at the time. With Steve we accomplished many great things together. He brought the winner out of me, but I owe a lot those two.

A special shout out for Macca as well. Although young as a manager, I’ve learned a lot from him too in terms of coaching.

In players then it’s Ian Taylor, Michael Johnson, Marvin Robinson and Ian Evatt, all played their part and had great influence on me.

After his years in top flight football, what motivates him to continue playing for Mickleover?

It’s just still having that competitive edge in football and it’s been my life and there’s nothing better than training, then having the reward of going into battle with your team mates on a Saturday.

Plus I’m a serial winner, I like to win even though I know it’s not possible every week. The feeling you get after a hard earned win just cannot be replaced.

As coach to Mickleover Academy, does he get the same satisfaction from success in coaching as he does in playing?

I do now, but at first it was difficult as you want to just go and play or help the lads. So you’re on the sidelines with your feet twitching, but it’s great and there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you have worked a specific plan or pattern of play and then watched it come to fruition.

You have been doing zoom session with the rest of the players during Lockdown. Does help with team spirit?

Team morale is a big part in football, the whole team this year has been fantastic, with it mostly new lads, we have all gelled very quickly, and it’s shown with results this season.

Also constantly being in contact via zoom just keeps everybody together socially, so there’s still that sense of togetherness. It’s probably one of the best changing rooms I’ve seen since I have been at Mickleover for sure.

But away from football what does he like doing? 

That’s rare as it takes up a lot of my time and thoughts. But I like listening to music and play Call of Duty.

So what does he normally do before a match?

That day is crucial in my preparation. I’m pretty much a perfectionist when it comes to getting my stuff ready, so I tend to keep everything pretty much the same every week.

I have the same meals, I organise my kit in the same way, lay it out exactly the same and make sure my socks are matching with no holes in them. Boots have got to be clean and then after all of that’s out of the way I just like to go for a quick stroll 20-30 minutes. Then it’s relax and picture what I’m going to do in the game,

We know it’s been a short season again, but were you surprised how well it went?

I wasn’t really surprised because I knew the type of character and players we had recruited. Like I said the team having gelled so quickly, it all helped on the pitch because everyone was fighting for the same cause. I was proud of the lads and their work.

When you heard it confirmed that the season was null and void, what was your first reaction?

Disappointed, as momentum was on our side and we  were having a really great run of results. I thought something special would have happened this year, but I guess we couldn’t control the outcome. This will give us more fire though when we play again.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

Making my first team debut for Derby County and winning the Young Player of the Year award the same season. Being selected to represent England and play against loads of team from around the world.

Achieving three promotion medals, winning the Man of the Match award against the team I support, Manchester Utd at Old Trafford, in front of 75,000 fans.

I’ve got a lot of great memories, probably too many to mention, but they all meat the same to me in some capacity.

by Peter Scherer

Aman Verma joined Mickleover FC in late 2019, after spells at Leicester City and Floriana in Malta on his CV.

He always wanted to be a footballer from an early age.

Since I was seven it was always a dream, which I was lucky enough to make reality.

He started his career at Leicester City, his home town club.

I joined them at the age of nine, but at that time I had to play for the year above, as they hadn’t form a team for my age group. Then I was released aged 12.

But Leicester re-signed him again some years later, after he had made his name in the lower leagues.

I was playing non-league with Redditch Utd and played central midfield on a Saturday and up front in the midweek games, because the striker at the time was getting on a bit and couldn’t play two games in a week.

I scored on a regular basis and had around four teams all interested in me. But with Leicester being my hometown club it was a no brainer, I had a successful trial and Nigel Pearson signed me when I was 21.

So how did he arrive at Mickleover?

I was at Nuneaton with Bev Bevatov, and when he left he told me how good it was at Mickleover and that I should come too. I’m so glad I did.

He normally plays as an attacking midfielder, but is that his favourite position?

I like playing anywhere in the middle. I’ve played nearly every position on the pitch in my career and actually really enjoy playing up top though.

During his time in Malta, with the heat, evening training and being treated like a sporting celebrity, did the change in the footballing culture help or hinder him?

No, it was great! When you move away from home, it’s nice to feel appreciated. The people in Malta love the English and were really welcoming.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Yes, for sure. It’s nice getting together with the lads and having a bit of banter. It’s a good a good way for us to get a release,

But what does he do away from football?

I like anything to do with health and fitness. Yoga, road cycling and gym sessions. I ‘m a coffee snob so love my coffee too.

So what do you normally do before a match?

I don’t really have superstitions, but just eat my usual breakfast of coconut yoghurt, Granola and fruit at around 8am, then eat again anything with a good amount of carbs and protein at around 11.30am.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it went?

Yes I was surprised how quickly we all came together, seeing as there so many new faces at the start of the season.

What has he missed most during Lockdown though?

Having the young v old games in training. The young lads always get schooled!I miss the rondo’s before training, as that’s when the banter and the hard work usually starts in training.

Outside of football though I miss being able to do stuff with my family and friends, like going for meals and the cinema.

When he heard the season was null and void, this was his first reaction.

I was gutted!! It would have been great to carry on riding the train at the top.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

Playing for Leicester City at the King Power Stadium was a great memory and winning the FA Trophy at Wembley with Darlington in 2011 too.

by Peter Scherer

Joe Slinn was another pre-season signing for Mickleover FC, an experienced goalkeeper whose career is still on the up.

Joe was keen to be a footballer from the word go and always happy to be on the pitch, no matter what level.

I think it’ probably the same with most people, I grew up enjoying kicking ball around and watching football as a kid. So I think from that moment I always wanted to play football when I got the chance. I am the same now, I look forward to playing five a side or for Mickleover.

Potteries born and bred he was soon picked up by Stoke City.

I went to Stoke when I was eight, then no sooner had I left there about four years later, I was asked to go for a trial at Port Vale and signed for them a couple of weeks later.

Despite being the goalkeeper, he was entrusted with the captaincy of the Port Vale Youth team.

It’s easier being captain in goal if anything, because you can see the full pitch as a keeper, whereas when you are playing outfield you don’t quite see the full picture.

Has he always been a goalkeeper though?

No I started off as a midfielder playing for a local side, but I was put in goal one week when the usual keeper wasn’t available, because of my height. Then I stayed playing keeper after that.

After Callum Hawkins had made a double penalty save in a match, Joe soon did the same, but was that a big ego boost?

No not really, at the end of the day it’s your job as a keeper, keeping the ball out of the net. It is a bit more enjoyable though from the penalty spot though, as the striker is expected to score every time.

Away from football what does he like doing?

I don’t really have much free time at the moment, as I’m still at Uni, so that fills my time during the day, and in the evenings I’m either training at home or with Mickleover, or coaching Port Vale Under 10’s.

Then at weekends we normally have a match on Saturday, and the team I coach play on Sunday’s. When I do get some free time though I am quite big into my Darts. So I’ll either play with some of my mates, or watch it if there’s a tournament on TV.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Yes it does, the sessions are quite tough though, but really good too and touching base with the lads and keeping the fitness levels ticking over, while we can’t actually play any football

So what do you normally do before a match?

I’m still Uni the day before, then pop home for tea, before heading out to coaching. Then once I have finished I would probably watch some football if there’s a decent game on, or catch up on some TV if not,

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it went?

Not really, as I think we all knew we had a decent squad and a real chance. If anything the thing that’s been most surprising is how quickly we bonded as a squad, which made it a lot easier to play together out on the pitch.

Sometimes it can take a bit of time when you have as many new faces in the squad as we did at the start of the season.

So with the two Lockdown periods, what has he missed the most?

The chance to be able to catch up with my mates, whether that was going out for a meal and some drinks, or just having a kick about.

One thing I’ve definitely not missed is Moz’s driving. I think James Butler will vouch for me, that the combination of his recklessness and his choice of music is something that makes you appreciate being stuck on Lockdown.

So what are his fondest memories from his career so far?

Probably winning the Walsall Cup when I was at Rushall Olympic. The best part about football is winning trophies, so I would have to say that. But winning it in a penalty shootout made it even better.

by Peter Scherer

Declan Bacon came back to Mickleover FC at the beginning of this season on loan from Gainsborough for a second spell, before making it permanent just before Lockdown.

Unlike a lot of players, Declan didn’t get serious with thisfootballing career until fairly recently.

I think it’s every young boys dream to be a footballer, but it never quite came to that for me. I am proud of my footballing journey though and hope to continue progressing and enjoying myself.

There have been lots of changes at Mickleover since his first spell.

There was only Mase and Pabs in the squad I last played in. No disrespect to the lads I played with before, but this squad is up there with the best I have played with. The togetherness is second to none and I think that’s half the reason we did so well this season.

So having not started through Academies etc, how did his footballing career begin?

Growing up in small village all I did was go to the park and play football. I first started taking it seriously when I was at Bottesford Town, four years ago though.

I had a really good season and scored a few goals, which got me a move to the National League North with Alfreton Town, that was my first real introduction to semi-professional football and I just took it in my stride.

I had a few loan spells at clubs during my time at Alfreton, Sheffield FC, Scarborough and of course Mickleover.

He works in football during the week, as head of Social Inclusion at Scunthorpe Utd, taking him into the community and schools.

I wouldn’t say it hinders me working for a football club, if anything it helps. I’m around like minded people so that always helps.

He started last season strongly and was soon finding the net on a regular basis, before being briefly recalled by Gainsborough, only for the season to be declared null and void again.

It was very frustrating, we all just wanted to keep the train moving forward! No doubt we will continue our form into next season and ruffle a few feathers. I always seem to hit form when I play under the Gaffer, so I hope I continue to work with him regularly.

We have all seen his prowess in front of goal, but has he always played there?

Yeah, I’ve always scored goals. Probably because my Grandad used to give me a pound a goal when I was a kid.

But does he prefer running on to the ball or being the target man?

I am fairly quick so I like to get in behind the defence and create or score goals. I’m trying to get better at the target man stuff, but it just isn’t my style, maybe when I lose pace and I am 35.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help with team spirit?

Definitely, Watty does a great job with the sessions and pits us through our paces. It also helps with a bit of routine, as footballers love routine and need to stay focused.

Away from football, what does he like doing?

I have a two year old daughter, so I love spending time with her. I am trying to get her in to football too, but don’t tell her Mum!!! She has a great strike.

So what do you normally do before a match?

Nothing out of the blue, relax. I love to look at the stats in the league, so I probably do that before we play a certain team.

We know it was a short season, but were you surprised how well it went?

We didn’t start the season so well, but as soon as the lads settled we started to show what we were capable of.

Once the ball got rolling we just steamrolled teams and I genuinely thought going into games we were going to win, or at least get a result. But no surprises now and it’s get ready for next season.

What was his first reaction when the season was declared null and void?

Disappointed, it would have been great to carry on the season where we left off. I was really enjoying everything about football, so it was a bitter pill to swallow.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

Probably playing at Pride Park in the Derbyshire Cup Final against Mickleover haha!! I was playing for Alfreton Town at the time and we won, I think I set up the winner as well. A year and a half before that I was literally playing on cow fields for a Sunday League Youth team, so then to jump into Pride Park, it was class.