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by Peter Scherer
Former Mickleover captain Ryan Wilson has gone to Stamford in the Southern League Central Premier Division on a season long loan.
Signed from Basford at the start of 22/23 season, he has spent three seasons at the Don Amott Arena.
Everyone one at Mickleover wish him well for the forthcoming season.
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.
