The Reserve team at Mickleover FC are at Step 7 of the pyramid and next year will play in the Black Dragon Premier Division South which sits in the Abacus Lighting Central Midlands Alliance League. The CMFL having an influx of clubs from the Midlands Regional Alliance. The league includes the likes of Pinxton, newcomers Melbourne Dynamo, South Normanton and of course the eagerly anticipated clashes with near neighbours Royal British Legion.
The team will be managed again by David Mackenzie (in his 14th year at the club) aided by Leigh Parr again but with the addition of Steve Powell straight from successes with the U16 boys side.
In the short time with the team Steve, in conjunction with Leigh, has raised the bar at least a couple of rungs and with his knowledge and enthusiasm the lads are in safe hands.
As is the case now the Reserves will be made up predominately from Academy players where their football education will be nurtured by Pablo Mills and Andrew Dales and overseen by the gaffer, John McGrath. Great opportunities for the lads to learn from seasoned professionals.
The make-up of the side will consist of last years first years and a new intake of players.
From last years team several are already knocking on the door of the first team with involvement towards the end of the season gone and in pre-season friendlies this year. Zak Sandhu, Fin Ryder and Brandon Ferron will be building on their introduction to men’s football from last year.
The newbies are an exciting bunch with Toby Smith, Josh Powell, Sam Tomlinson and Mason Tudgay all chomping at the bit to get started.
They have some big boots to fill as two years ago 7 of the squad were in and around the first team with Ethan Mann now so established, he is vice captain of the first team.
In recent years the reserves were sitting top of the league when Covid hit and runners up in the league in 21/22 losing the Presidents Cup final the year before to a strong Newark Town side.
The Reserve team have also contested the final of the Derbyshire Cup on four out of the last seven seasons, including the Covid year final v Swanwick Pentrich Road not being played.
So lots to play for, both collectively but most importantly individually for players to develop in a positive environment.