We are delighted to announce that Ricky Ravenhill has been appointed as the new first team assistant manager. Ricky will work closely with manager John McGrath, first team coach Steve Taylor and goalkeeping coach Jonah Jones.

Ricky’s quote

Since arriving at Mickelover back in October I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and been made to feel very welcome by everyone associated with the club.

Last season was very challenging for many reasons but the resilience and team spirit shown by the whole group to achieve what we did and earn the right to again challenge at this level was something quite remarkable.

That last day away at Bamber Bridge was a very special moment, and one I feel is a turning point for the club to grow and develop from.

On this note I am very pleased to have accepted the opportunity to become the assistant manager for the 2019/20 season. I will remain a registered player and feel I still have enough to offer the team from a playing point of view but equally behind the scenes in a coaching capacity and from the touchline.

I have known the gaffer for a number of years and we are clear in the plan and playing philosophy to gain success moving forward.

The planning and recruitment has already begun and I cant wait to get back to preseason training in preparation for the season ahead.

Manager’s quote

I am delighted that Ricky has agreed to join my back room staff. His knowledge, desire and winning mentality makes him perfect for this role. I have known Ricky over 16 years and his views and philosophy on football mirrors and matches mine. He is someone I trust completely but just as important he has the trust and respect of Steve and Jonah my two other members of staff. This a really positive step the club are making and I’d like to thank my chairman Don and my first team coaches Steve and Jonah for their advice and input in to this appointment. Welcome Rick.

Everyone at Mickleover Sports are delighted to welcome Jack Storer back to the Don Amott Arena. Jack joins us with English football league and Scottish football league experience having played for Birmingham City, Stevenage, Yeovil, Solihull Moors and Patrick Thistle of the Scottish championship. Jack had a really successful end to the 2018/19 season having joined in March scoring 4 in 6 games before injury curtailed his involvement in the final 3 games of the season. He is an exciting attacking player that can play anywhere across the front line and is a player that gets supporters on the edge of their seats with his unbelievable talent. Welcome back Jack.

Manager’s quote:

Now here is a player who I believe will go on to follow in the footsteps of Andy Dales who we sold to Scunthorpe last summer and make a career for himself in the football league.

I am delighted that he has chosen Mickleover Sports. Having been with me for the closing months of last season and speaking to him throughout the summer jack believes we are the right club who play the right brand of football that will get the best from his undoubted talents. He is without doubt one of the most naturally gifted footballers I have had the privilege to play with and also coach and manage.

He is allowed the freedom here to express himself and having a dressing room full of senior players and role models to help him along I can see big things in Jacks future. He is only 21 years of age and definitely a talent we here at Mickleover Sports are delighted to help on his pathway to the football league.

(Photo: Sarah Middleton)

John McGrath has made his first signing of the summer and welcomes Richard Batchelor to the Don Amott Arena ahead of the upcoming 2019/20 season.
‘Batch’ is an all action, combative, aggressive midfielder and brings with him a wealth of experience having played for Stafford Rangers, Stourbridge, Brackley and Redditch, Worcester. City and Leamington. Along with his combative style of play Richard is also a naturally gifted footballer and will fit right in with the style of play manager John McGrath expects from his team.

Manager’s quote:

I am delighted to finally get Richard Batchelor here at Mickleover Sports. He is a player I have admired and tried to get on many occasions and to get him signed is a real statement from us. What Batch will bring to the squad is an unwilting desire to win, whether that be in training or on matchdays, and this desire will set a great example and standard to the rest of the squad. I don’t think people give him enough credit for his ability as a footballer but he is an excellent player and will fit perfectly in to the style of play that I have implemented over the last 3 seasons here at Mickleover Sports.

Richard Batchelor:

Really looking forward to getting started with Mickleover Sports. I have known John the gaffer for a while now and we’ve kept in touch over the last few seasons and I am delighted to be joining a team that plays football in the correct manner. I know Pablo Mills and Jack Storer who are current players and having spoken to them and the gaffer the decision was an easy one. I cannot wait to get started in July.

Mickleover Sports will play Burton Albion in a pre-season friendly at the Don Amott Arena on Wednesday 24 July, KO 7:45pm.

Our Chairman, Don Amott, would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Burton Albion, they are great friends of our club!

Everybody at Mickleover Sports Club would like to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to everybody involved and the club and all the supporters for your loyal support.

Bring on next season in the NPL Premier Division!

#SportsRising