by Peter Scherer

On Saturday 8^th July Mickleover FC hosted an event to bring together the supporters of Derby County and Nottingham Forest.

The original idea for a match came from Adam Richardson, and was hosted at the Don Amott Arena as a charity match for the Colin Hunt Trophy. Colin was a great and loyal servant to the club and a well-known former local leagues footballer, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

The game which was played in good spirits throughout was to also to raise funds for Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates, victims of the recent Nottingham stabbings.

Former Rams striker Roger Davies managed the Rams side, while Forest were looked after by former Ram Steve Powell and his son Steve, one of the current Mickleover coaching staff.

The final score was 8-7 and the trophy was presented by legendary Scottish international Archie Gemmill, who played for both teams during his career, and is now a regular Mickleover supporter.

“I was overwhelmed by the support and turnout we had, from the players on the pitch, to the spectators and to everyone behind the scenes. I am honestly so grateful for everything, the day would not have been made possible without you guys.

We managed to deliver such a powerful message and raise a great amount of money for the cause.

Also want to give a massive shout out to Don Amott and the guys at Mickleover Sports FC, so grateful for the facilities you provided and the support shown leading up to and on the day of the game. An amazing club with so many great people behind the scenes!!

Such an amazing day with a lot of great people! Can’t wait to do it all again next year!” said organiser Adam Richardson.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover manager John McGrath has signed an extension to his contract, which sees him start his eighth season at the Don Amott Arena, all but his early days as player manager too.

“I am delighted to commit to a new contract with Mickleover FC. We have been a very successful club, both on and off the pitch, over the last seven seasons and I want to continue that success under the guidance and direction of my chairman Don Amott,” he said.

The Aston Villa, Burton Albion and Republic of Ireland Under 21 International midfielder, continues to be part of the playing squad too.

“So so happy that John has signed a new two-year contract. There will be ups and downs during the football season, but the secret to success in every football club is a stable management team. Have a great season John,” Amott added.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover FC have added midfielder Ben Sault to their squad for the coming season.

The 20 year old was a junior at Lincoln City, before spending six months with Oadby Town. Having moved onto Boston Utd, he spent last season at Kettering Town.

Gaffer John McGrath was particularly pleased to have added Sault to his line-up. “Delighted to get Ben to Mickleover FC, as he’s a combative box to box midfielder with loads of energy. At 20 years of age he is someone who I believe can continue his development with us and progress back into full-time football.”

“Delighted to sign for such a great club and really excited for the season ahead,” Sault added.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover’s John McGrath has added vastly experienced midfielder Will Atkinson to his squad for the forthcoming season.

A former Hull City Junior, Atkinson has played in every division of the football league during his career, notably in the Premiership during his time with the Tigers.

He has played for Port Vale, Rochdale, Rotherham, Plymouth and Bradford City too, and had four years at Southend, before going to Mansfield in 2017. He returned to Southend after a spell at Alfreton and spent last season at Boston Utd.

He has made over 300 league appearances and scored 30 goals and can play at wing back too.

“Will is an excellent signing who brings with him a wealth of experience playing in the football league. His temperament and style of style make him an excellent addition to our team,” said McGrath.

“I’m really pleased to join such a forward thinking club and  can’t wait to get started,” Atkinson added.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover manager John McGrath has continued to add to his growing squad for next season, by signing striker Andre Wright from Stratford Town.

An ex West Bromwich Albion Junior, he played in the Championship with Brighton, League One with Coventry, the Scottish Premiership with Ayr Utd and the League of Ireland with both Bohemians and Sligo Rovers.

After leaving Sligo last year he played for Telford, Hereford and Kettering, before seeing out the season at Stratford.

“I couldn’t be happier with the opportunity to join Mickleover Football Club! I’m excited and ready to work hard and showcase what I can contribute to the club’s success. It’s an honour to be a part of Mickleover, hopefully we can create some unforgettable memories on and off the pitch,” he said.

“I am delighted to welcome Andre to Mickleover FC. He’s an incredibly talented footballer and someone who I have monitored closely all season. Not only a gifted player, but someone who has the belief, determination and drive to be the best version of himself, which in turn will drive us as a football club,” McGrath added.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have signed young goalkeeper Jim Pollard from Matlock Town.

The former Sheffield Utd junior was first choice with the Gladiators for much of last season, and has also played for Barrow, Maltby, Frickley, Gainsborough and Grantham.

“I’m really pleased to join this club and get going on this fresh challenge and I’m excited to work with the staff and the current players. Let’s see what the seasons has to bring, for not only myself but also the team, hoping for a very successful one,” he said.

“I am delighted to get this signature finally sorted and over the line. Jim is someone I’ve always been keen to bring to Mickleover. At only 25 he adds real quality to our squad. His presence will not only be felt on the pitch but also in and around the changing room”, added Mickleover manager John McGrath.

by Peter Scherer

Rhys Dolan is the latest of last seasons successful Mickleover squad to re-sign for the forthcoming season. The former Barnsley junior is equally at home in midfield or as an attacking full back.

A popular member of the squad since his arrival in October 2021, he scored five goals too last season.

“I’m delighted to be re-signing again for the upcoming 2023/24 season. Having just missed out on a play-off spot last year I wanted to be a part of another successful team. Playing under the gaffer, Rick and Pablo I believe gives me the best opportunity to be at my best,” he said.

“Rhys fits the bill as to what we want in our full-backs. He’s an attacking presence who has often during the season been our outlet for a lot of our attacking play. I am delighted to get him re-signed again for the new season ahead,” added gaffer John McGrath.

by Peter Scherer

Having been on loan from Sheffield Wednesday for the last four months of the season, midfielder Will Trueman has now made his stay at Mickleover permanent for 23/24.

A former League Football Apprentice of the Year, he made a couple of appearances for the Owls first team.

“I’m really happy to have signed for such a good club. Really enjoyed my time on loan last season and can’t wait to get the new season started. I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff and the players again, as we have a great group and great changing room,” he said.

“We are really delighted to get this deal finalised and secured. Will had an excellent loan spell with us last season and I view him as a young player who we can work with over the course of the next season, and get him back to where he should be, playing in the football league. This is a real statement signing and one that should get the whole club excited,” added sports gaffer John McGrath.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover manager John McGrath has announced that Ryan Wilson is the latest of last years squad, to re-sign for the 23/24 season.

“I am delighted to get Ryan signed again for the new season. Having had a fantastic 2022-23 campaign, Willo was one of our best and most consistent performers last season and I am looking forward to see the positive impact he has on the squad and on games once again,” he said.

Having signed from Basford in pre-season, Ryan has played both midfield and left back and scored six goals in League and Cup last season, a specialist free kick taker with an eye for goal and a reliable member of the squad.

“It’s great to have signed again – Looking forward to the new season ahead especially with just falling short last season. As long as we have a group of players going into every game wanting to win and playing with the right mindset, I feel like we will have a good chance of pushing for promotion/play-offs. Personally I hope I can have another good season too,” Ryan added.