by Peter Scherer
Three of Mickleover’s successful Academy/Derby County Community Trust side have signed up for the 25/26 first team squad.
Defender/midfielder Toby Smith first came into the squad in late 23/24. He made three starts last season and was on the bench a number of times too, as well as gaining more experience in a loan spell at Gresley Rovers.
“I’m really happy to be with Mickleover again this season. I am grateful for the first team chances I’ve had so far, every game is a step forward, but I want to build on that. I’m still learning, still pushing, and ready to give everything again this season,” he said.
Also stepping up are the Carter twins, Josh and Liam. As well as being top scorer and player of the year for the reserve side, Josh made his first start in the home game against Whitby, as well as starting in the season finale at home to Prescot Cables.
“It wasn’t really a surprise to get this opportunity, as I have worked hard for it. I thank Gareth for trusting me, as I trust myself. I am not setting myself a target as such, but I don’t want to just be on the bench. I want to be a starter, but targeting assists and goals,” said Josh.
Liam sees himself as more of a winger. I like to bring the ball through and attack players, it’s exciting. Hopefully the telepathy I share with Josh will help us both in the team, as I know where he will be without looking. It’s especially important to me, having had seven months out after breaking my hip. I had things to prove to myself and to Gareth,” Liam added.
Liam made his first start for the first team at home to Leek and played again at Ashton, with both he and Josh on the bench on a number of other occasions.
“Sometimes clubs sign players just to say they are giving young players a chance. This is not the case with these three, they are all good players and we are looking forward to working with them. We always want our Academy players to deserve their chance, not just be given a chance because it ticks a box,” said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.
“Andy Dales & Steve Powell have done really well with these boys this year. They have been given the licence to express themselves and the information to improve, while developing the day to day standards that is required to progress,” he added.
“Josh and Liam have lots of similarity. Both are exciting runners with the ball, direct, fast and skilful, they are the type footballers that entertain. But they are very unique in their own right and it’s important that we understand that.”
“Toby has already had interest from professional clubs which is great. He has really strong physical attributes, he has the ability to break up play and makes strong runs from midfield. This is an area that we want to work on this year, to enable him to time his runs into the box better and become a goal scoring Midfielder,” Gareth explained.
If anyone would like to sign on for the Mickleover Academy in conjunction with Derby County Community Trust please click the link below. You too could be part of Mickleover FC’s bright future, following in the footsteps of Toby, Josh and Liam.
https://www.derbycountycommunitytrust.com/mickleover-fc-0