welcome to ilsonfootball, the website devoted to Ilkeston football past and present, and the home of the Ilkeston Football Club Supporters Group.
For more details of the supporters group please click on the supporters group tab.
ilsonfootball aims to provide a detailed history of senior football in Ilkeston, as well as including other pieces of information which hopefully will be of interest. In time, there will be match reports of games going back to 1882, an a-z of players who have appeared for the various Ilkeston teams going back, plus a full statistical record. Plenty of information is already available to view, with more becoming available in due course. In the meantime, please be patient, and enjoy!!
Gary Ricketts scoring Ilkeston FC's first ever goal in the pre-season friendly with Notts CountyLATEST NEWS
MAY 17TH: PRE-SEASON FIXTURES ANNOUNCED
Ilkeston FC revealed the pre-season fixtures already scheduled in preparation for the 2012/13 season, and they are as follows:
JULY 7 SKEGNESS H
JULY 14 Leek Town A
JULY 18 SHEFFIELD UNITED H
JULY 21 NOTTS COUNTY H
JULY 24 BURTON ALBION H
JULY 28 Gresley A
JULY 31 PORT VALE H
AUG 7 Hucknall Town A
AUG 11 Shepshed Dynamo A
MAY 11TH: SQUAD TAKING SHAPE
Although no new signings have put pen to paper yet, Kevin Wilson has already persuaded Jack Watts, Joe Wilcox, Gary Ricketts, James Reid, Ryan Wilson, Will McCall, Dan Partridge, Russell Cooke, Daryll Thomas, Andrew Osei-Siribour and Academy youngsters Mike Williams and Ellis Storey to sign contracts. Right-Back James Cullingworth is set to leave following the prospect of work in Australia.
MAY 4TH: KING KEV LANDS AWARD
Robins boss Kevin Wilson has won the Evo-Stik League Division One South Manager of the Month award for April. It is the first time he has won this award since becoming manager of Ilkeston FC. Congratulations go to Kevin on this award and the fantastic season he has had.
APRIL 28TH: WE'VE DONE IT!!
Ilkeston FC beat Leek Town 2-0 to secure a place in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division next season. A club record 1670 attendance saw the Robins deservedly win a tense encounter thanks to two second half goals in the space of two minutes, by Matt Richards and Daryll Thomas. A full report will appear shortly on the Ilkeston FC season by season pages.
APRIL 25TH: IT'S LEEK!
Ilkeston FC will face Leek Town this Saturday in the Play-Off Final on the New Manor Ground, kick-off 3pm. Fans are advised to arrive early as a bumper crowd is expected. Leek reached the Final by beating Carlton Town 7-6 on penalties after the game was tied 2-2 following two hours of football.
APRIL 23RD: SEVENTH HEAVEN
Ilkeston FC reached the Play-Off Final by destroying Sheffield FC 7-0 on the New Manor Ground. They will now face either Carlton away or Leek at home on Saturday April 28th depending on the outcome of the other Semi-Final. A full report will be available shortly on the Ilkeston FC season by season pages.
APRIL 21ST: ROBINS END IN THIRD
Ilkeston FC's 2-1 defeat at champions Grantham Town saw them slip to third place in the final table. They will face Sheffield FC on the New Manor Ground in the Play-Off semi-final on Monday night. A full report will appear shortly on the Ilkeston FC season by season pages.
APRIL 14TH: RICKETTS' GLORY DAY
Gary Ricketts set Ilkeston FC on their way to a comfortable 2-0 home win against Brigg Town. The Robins now require a point from their match at champions Grantham to secure the runners-up spot. Ricketts was crowned as Ilkeston FC Player of the Season after the match. A full report will appear shortly on the Ilkeston FC season by season pages.
APRIL 9TH: ROBINS HEADING FOR HOME PLAY-OFFS
Despite falling a goal behind to Hucknall the Robins recovered to comfortably win 3-1. The result guarantees Ilkeston FC a home tie in the Play-Off semi-finals. A full report will appear on the Ilkeston FC season by season pages shortly.
APRIL 7TH: TITLE GOES TO GRANTHAM
Ilkeston FC's slim title hopes finally vanished despite picking up a useful point in a 0-0 draw at Kidsgrove. Grantham now cannot be caught but second place is still up for grabs. Three more points will guarantee the Robins a home draw in the Play-Off semi-finals. A full report will appear shortly on the Ilkeston FC season by season pages.
2012/13 PEN PICS (APPEARANCES AND GOALS RECORDS AT END OF 2011/12 SEASON)
LLOYD ALLINSON (GOALKEEPER)
Born Rothwell (Leeds) 7/9/1993. Tall and very assured goalkeeper who joined on loan from Huddersfield Town in March 2012. Has yet to concede a goal for Ilkeston in 3 appearances. Started out with Rothwell Town Juniors. Debut: 7/4/2012 v Kidsgrove Athletic (A); 3apps, 3 clean sheets.
DARREN CASKEY (MIDFIELD)
Born Basildon 21/8/1974. Former England under-18 international who captained the European Championship winning side in 1993. A tremendous leader with great passing ability and vision. Started out with Tottenham Hotspur (32apps, 4goals) and had a loan spell at Watford (6apps, 1goal). Later clubs included Reading (201apps, 35goals), Notts County (114apps, 10goals), Bristol City, Hornchurch, Peterborough United (4apps), Bath City, Havant & Waterlooville, Virginia Beach Mariners, Rushden & Diamonds (18apps, 1goal), Kettering Town and Halesowen Town before teaming up as assistant manager to Kevin Wilson at Ilkeston Town in the summer of 2009 (1app+8subs). Remained at Ilkeston when Town was liquidated in September 2010 to run the Academy with Wilson and became assistant manager of Ilkeston FC when it was formed in November 2010. Currently holdest the record for the club's oldest player to make a first team appearance aged 37 years and 223 days. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC; 16apps+6subs, 8goals (5pens).
TOM COLCLOUGH (OUTSIDE RIGHT)
Born Derby 17/5/1992. An exciting young prospect who likes to run at defenders, he has progressed through the Academy into the first team squad. He was with Mansfield Town as an apprentice and had trials at Brentford and Derby County as well as representing Derbyshire. Debut: 27/8/2011 v Kidsgrove Athletic (H); 0apps+2subs.
RUSSELL COOKE (DEFENDER)
Born Mansfield 18/3/1981. Ilkeston FC captain who gives great guidance to the defence. Played for Hucknall Town and Leigh RMI before a loan spell with Ilkeston Town in 2003/04 (13apps). A brief period with Matlock Town led to a return to Hucknall, for whom he played in the 2005 FA Vase Final, and later Eastwood Town. Joined Ilkeston FC in the summer of 2011 and was selected in the 2011/12 Evo-Stik League First Division South Team of the Year. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC; 33apps, 1 red card
JAMES CULLINGWORTH (FULL-BACK)
Born 18/9/1987. Naturally right footed but equally capable in either full back position. Began with Nottingham Forest before moving into non-League with Shepshed Dynamo, Stafford Rangers, Hucknall Town and Boston United. A highly committed performer who joined Ilkeston early in the 2011/12 season and who came third in the 2011/12 Player of the Season awards. Debut: 20/8/2011 v Loughborough Dynamo (A); 44apps+2subs.
SAM DUNCUM (OUTSIDE LEFT)
Born Sheffield 18/2/1987. Left winger blessed with electric pace and with the ability to beat defenders on the inside or the outside. His thrilling runs, telling crosses and goals of his own make him a big favourite amongst supporters who also remember his previous spell at Ilkeston Town. Joined Ilkeston FC in January 2012 after being released by Worksop Town. Started out Rotherham United (7apps) from where he had earlier spent time on loan at York City. Then joined Ilkeston Town in May 2008 (68apps+17subs, 8goals) before leaving Town for an undisclosed fee to Eastwood Town in February 2010. Debut: 21/1/2011 v Goole AFC (A); 12apps+3subs, 6goals.
BEN GATHERCOLE (GOALKEEPER)
Born 12/2/1993. Tall, young and promising 'keeper signed on loan from Nottingham Forest in September 2011 where he has appeared for the reserves. Former clubs include ASC Dayncourt and Notts County. Has an unwanted first by becoming the first Ilkeston FC player ever to receive a red card when he was dismissed in the away match at Quorn. Injuries have interrupted his season. Debut: 13/9/2011 v Lincoln United (A); 21apps, 11 clean sheets, 1 red card.
FRANCIS GREEN (STRIKER)
Born Nottingham 23/4/1980. Very experienced front runner who joined in March 2012. Started out with Ilkeston Town where he made 5 substitute appearances before being sold to Peterborough United for a club record £25,000. Had a lengthy League career taking in Peterborough (107apps, 14goals), Boston United (45apps, 5goals), Lincoln City (100apps, 18goals) and Macclesfield Town (65apps, 14goals). Subsequently moved into non-League with Kettering Town, Oxford United, Brackley Town, Hucknall Town and Eastwood Town. Debut: 31/3/2012 v Shepshed Dynamo (H); 3apps+4subs, 2goals.
JOSH HILL (CENTRE BACK)
Born Cardiff 1/8/1991. Young, tall central defender capable of playing accurate long passes. Signed from Loughborough University he has already settled into the first team and his best is still to come. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC (H); 31apps, 2goals.
DANNY JAMES (MIDFIELD)
Born Derby 4/9/1992. Former Birmingham City and Grimsby Town trialist whose impressive form with the Academy and the reserves has led to a call up to the first team squad. Operates most effectively in the centre of the park.
SCOTT LOW (GOALKEEPER)
Born Derby 22/8/1992. Promising, very tall goalkeeper whose assured performances in the Academy earned him a call up into the first team where he hasn't looked out of place. Has represented Derbyshire at youth levels. Debut: 13/12/2011 v Dronfield Town; 4apps.
JOE MAGUIRE (MIDFIELD)
Born Sheffield 23/9/1991. Talented player who was with Barnsley, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe United. Signed for Ilkeston Town in 2010 but never appeared due to the player embargo placed upon the club shortly before it went into liquidation. Moved on to Corby Town before joining Ilkeston FC prior to the start of the 2011/12 season but missed much of the first half of the season with injuries. Debut: 20/8/2011 v Loughborough Dynamo (A); 24apps+2subs, 6goals (1pen).
WILL McCALL (WINGER)
Born Macclesfield 17/11/1991. Electrifying winger who is left footed but can play down either flank. Loves to run at defenders and can cross and shoot powerfully with accuracy. With Manchester City before moving to Oldham Athletic as an apprentice, and then played for the Loughborough University side. A great crowd favourite, he scored in Ilkeston FC's historic opening match ankle injury problems have wrecked his season. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC (H); 16apps+5subs, 8goals.
ANDREW OSEI-SIRIBOUR (STRIKER)
Born Milton Keynes 4/2/1992. Joined the Ilkeston FC Academy in 2010 after failing to make the grade at Wycombe Wanderers and Port Vale. Performed well as a quick left-sided forward, impressing enough to earn a first team contract for 2011/12. Top scored for the Reserves in 2011/12 with 13 goals. Joined Quorn on loan in November 2011. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC (H); 3apps+13subs, 1goal.
GEROME PALMER (DEFENDER)
Born Derby 3/6/1993. Central defender on the fringes of the first team. Joined in summer 2011 after previous spells at Mansfield Town and Chesterfield. Debut: 13/12/2011 v Dronfield Town (H); 1app.
DAN PARTRIDGE (DEFENDER)
Born Derby 29/5/1992. Previously with Walsall and Loughborough University, this powerfully built defender can play anywhere across the back line and settled immediately into the first team. Debut: 16/8/2011 v Sutton Coldfield Town (A); 29apps+4subs, 1goal.
RUSSELL PEEL (MIDFIELD)
Born Nottingham 18/12/1984. Skilful left sided midfielder previously with Derby County, Chasetown, Quorn, Shepshed Dynamo and Belper Town. Now at his home town club after being raised in Ilkeston. Signed for Ilkeston FC before the start of the 2011/12 season and has already made an impact. Debut: 22/8/2011 v Market Drayton Town (H); 12apps+4subs, 1goal.
JAMES REID (MIDFIELD)
Born Ashbourne 28/2/1990. Wide player with a great left foot who joined Ilkeston FC on a month's loan from AFC Telford United in November 2011. After his loan period was extended he agreed to join on a permanent basis in February 2012. Scored a memorable hat-trick against Sheffield FC in January 2012. Started out with Nottingham Forest where he sampled League football (1app) before moving on to Rushden & Diamonds, Lincoln City and Hinckley United. Has represented England at under 18 and under 19 levels. Debut: 26/11/2011 v Northwich Victoria (A); 18apps+1sub, 6goals.
MATT RICHARDS (MIDFIELD)
Born Derby 1/12/1989. Skilful and commanding midfielder who can play in wide or central positions. Began with Derby County and had a spell with Wycombe Wanderers before having a taste of League football whilst on loan at Notts County (1app). Looked set to sign for Ilkeston Town in August 2010 after appearing in pre-season but opted to join the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain instead. Signed for Ilkeston FC in November 2011. Debut: 12/11/2011 v Rainworth Miners Welfare (A); 30apps, 3goals.
GARY RICKETTS (STRIKER)
Born Nottingham 13/7/1975. Veteran target man whose promising career was halted by a car accident whilst at Nottingham Forest. Moved into non-League with Heanor Town, Arnold, Hucknall Town, Hinckley United, Nuneaton Borough and Tamworth before joining Ilkeston Town (43apps+2subs, 13goals)in the summer of 2009. Rejoined Hucknall Town when the Robins went into liquidation in September 2010 and soon moved to Hinckley United before signing for Ilkeston FC in the summer of 2011. Missed the start of the season because of suspension imposed by the club as a consequence of his contribution in the infamous Mansfield Town pre-season friendly in August 2011 but in an amazing turnaround he was voted as Ilkeston FC Player of the Season for 2011/12. More importantly he won the coveted Evo-Stik First Division South Player of the Year. Ilkeston FC's top scorer in 2011/12. Debut: 20/8/2011 v Loughborough Dynamo (A); 43apps, 22goals.
ASHLEY ROBINSON (MIDFIELD)
Born Derby 27/7/1991. Young attacking midfielder who is on the fringes of the first team squad. Was with Ilkeston Town when the club folded in 2010 after being at Mickleover Sports. Debut: 5/11/2011 v Woodley Sports (H); 3apps+7subs.
ELLIS STOREY (DEFENDER/MIDFIELD)
Born 27/11/1993. Joined the Academy from Nottingham City in 2011. Some mature performances and a good left foot have seen him appear in the first team squad and a fine future could await him. Yet to make his debut.
RYAN SWIFT (GOALKEEPER)
Born Nottingham 23/10/1994. Talented prospect who arrived at the Academy this year after being released by Notts County. Did well in pre-season has been rewarded with a number of appearances on the first team bench. Yet to make his debut.
DARYLL THOMAS (STRIKER)
Born Nottingham 27/7/1986. A prolific scoring and speedy forward throughout his career which began with Nottingham Forest and Chesterfield as a youngster. Spells at Retford United, Shepshed Dynamo, Carlton Town and Belper Town preceded his arrival at Ilkeston where he has continued to find the target regularly. Scored in the club's historic opening fixture against Goole and in the 2011/12 Play-Off Final and made more appearances than anyone else during the campaign. Debut: 13/8/2011 Goole AFC (H); 39apps+8subs, 19goals.
JACK WATTS (STRIKER)
Born Perth, Australia. Clever and hard working forward with an eye for goal who can also play wide midfield. Came second in the Player of the Season awards in 2011/12. Originally joined Ilkeston Town (10apps +18subs, 6goals) from Barnsley in 2009. Started out with Wanneroo City before moving to England where he had a spell at Sheffield United. When Town went into liquidation he subsequently played for Buxton, Worksop Town and Frickley Athletic before returning to the New Manor Ground to sign for Ilkeston FC in November 2011. Debut: 23/11/2011 v Carlton Town (A); 24apps+2subs; 11goals.
JOE WILCOX (RIGHT-BACK/MIDFIELD)
Born Northampton 18/4/1989. Attacking defender or right-sided midfielder capable of delivering good crosses who started out as a youngster with Scunthorpe United. Came from Corby Town after a spell at Buxton. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC (H); 23apps+12subs, 2goals.
MIKE WILLIAMS (MIDFIELD)
Born Bodelwyddan, North Wales 24/9/1993. After being on the books of Derby County, Chesterfield, Mansfield Town and Stoke City he joined the Academy in 2010. Has come on nicely since as a central midfielder who enjoys getting into scoring positions and was rewarded with a first team call up early in 2012. Debut: 24/1/2012 v Buxton (H); 0apps+1sub.
CALLUM WILLIAMSON (DEFENDER)
Youngster who can play either in central defence or at left-back. Has the potential to force himself into the first team on a regular basis. Debut: 27/9/2011 v Coalville Town (A); 2apps.
LAURIE WILSON (MIDFIELD)
Born Brighton 5/12/1984. Former Northern Ireland youth international who started at Sheffield Wednesday where he appeared in their first team without making a League appearance. Moved on to Burton Albion, Grantham Town, Belper Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Alfreton Town and Hucknall Town before signing for Ilkeston Town (8apps) in May 2010. Left Town when the club was liquidated in September 2010 and went on to play for Staveley Miners Welfare, Alfreton Town and Harrogate Town before joining Ilkeston FC on loan in March 2012. An influential midfield general with a good array of passes and who can make purposeful runs from deep. Debut: 10/3/2012 v Rainworth Miners Welfare (H); 7apps, 2goals (1pen).
RYAN WILSON (LEFT BACK)
Born Derby 4/3/1993. Son of Kevin Wilson and a player who can fill just about any position effectively, although he has been settled at left back recently. Joined the Academy early in 2011, scoring 5 goals including one in the Central Conference Reserves League Cup Final, before being offered a first team contract. Previously with Stockport County and Torquay United on loan. Has represented Northern Ireland under 16s to 18s. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC; 42apps+3subs, 2goals.
JOSH WISDOM (STRIKER)
Born Derby 27/2/1993. Another product of the Academy where he enjoyed great success, scoring 13 goals in 2010/11 including 4 against New Mills in the FA Youth Cup and a hat-trick against Burton Albion Reserves. Now looking to take his striking form onto the first team stage. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC; 1app+3subs.
LAURENCE ZISARUK-GIBSON (DEFENDER)
Born Lancashire 30/1/1993. Tall and a central defender with great potential who has broken from the Academy and into the first team squad since the start of the season. Went on loan to Dunkirk in December 2011. Originally with Rochdale and has represented Greater Manchester. Debut: 27/9/2011 v Coalville Town (A); 1app.
The following players have been in the squad but are no longer at Ilkeston FC:
SAM ANDREW (GOALKEEPER)
Born Barnsley 7/1/1993. A commanding young 'keeper who joined Ilkeston FC on a month's loan from Tamworth in January 2012. Previously with Sheffield United he has previously been on loan at Shepshed Dynamo. Went on loan to Eastwood Town immediately after leaving Ilkeston. Debut/Last Appearance: 21/1/2012 v Goole AFC (A); 1app
ALEX ARCHER (GOALKEEPER)
Promising young and agile goalkeeper signed on work experience from Peterborough United in November 2011 after excelling against the Robins whilst playing for Stamford earlier in this season but who failed to match that display when at the New Manor Ground. Debut: 23/11/2011 v Carlton Town (A); Last appearance: 17/12/2011 v Brigg Town (A); 6apps.
ADAM BURTON (DEFENDER)
A towering centre-half previously at Mansfield Town. Made the substitutes bench on two occasions without taking to the pitch. Went on a month's loan to Quorn in November 2011 before signing permanently for Rainworth Miners Welfare in January 2012.
AARON BUTCHER (GOALKEEPER)
Born Peterborough 17/3/1991. Young shot stopper who has the height to command his box and has a safe pair of hands. Signed from Corby Town after starting out with Peterborough United, and he made his senior football breakthrough with Boston United. Left in November 2011 and subsequently joined March Town United. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC (H); Last Appearance: 27/9/2011 v Coalville Town (A); 8apps, 3 clean sheets.
ADAM COLTON (MIDFIELD)
Born Sheffield 2/11/1992. Talented and busy central midfielder who is unafraid to shoot and can take corners accurately. With Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County as a youngster he went on to play regularly for Huddersfield Town's youth team before joining Ilkeston. Has also had loan spells at York City and Lincoln City. Left Ilkeston for Worksop Town in February 2012 after failing to hold down a regular place. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC (H); Last Appearance: 24/1/2012 v Buxton (H); 17apps+5subs, 3goals.
KRISTIAN COX (OUTSIDE RIGHT)
Born Birmingham 28/9/1992. Very quick and skilful, he joined Ilkeston in the summer of 2011 after making a single League appearance for Port Vale. Left in September 2011 because of travel difficulties and subsequently joined New Mills. Scored for the club in the historic first game. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC (H); Last Appearance: 27/8/2011 v Kidsgrove Athletic (H); 4apps, 1goal.
DIMITAR EVTIMOV (GOALKEEPER)
Born Shumen 7/9/1993. Very tall and athletic 'keeper signed on a short-term loan deal from Nottingham Forest in October 2011 and made a big impression. Formerly with Chavdar Etropole he is a Bulgarian under-19 international. Has since gone on loan to Gainsborough Trinity. Debut: 29/10/11 v Romulus (H); Last Appearance: 5/11/2011 v Woodley Sports (H); 3apps, 1 clean sheet.
LIAM GREEN (MIDFIELD)
Born Grimsby 17/3/1988. Busy central midfielder who began with Grimsby Town before moving to Doncaster Rovers (2apps). Had a brief spell at Burton Albion before joining Ilkeston Town (33apps+5subs) from Boston United in the summer of 2009. Signed for Corby Town when Town was liquidated but returned to the New Manor Ground to join the new club in the summer of 2011. Left the club in January 2012 after losing his first team place. Debut: 13/8/2011 v Goole AFC; Last Appearance: 13/12/2011 v Dronfield Town (A); 24apps+2subs, 1goal.
DAN LOWSON (GOALKEEPER)
Born 4/2/1988. Joined Ilkeston FC on a curtailed month's loan from Alfreton Town in December 2011. Former Ilkeston Town (50apps) goalkeeper who was player of the year in 2009/10, previously with Gretna and Newcastle Blue Star. A former England schoolboy trialist he is confident with crosses, a good organiser and an excellent shot stopper. After conceding a goal just two minutes into his Ilkeston Town debut he wasn't beaten again for 608 minutes, thus breaking a club record that stood since 1954, and went on to win the player of the year award for 2009/10. Left Town when they were liquidated in September 2010 and went on to have spells with Darlington and Blyth Spartans. Debut: 26/12/2011 v Hucknall Town (A); Last Appearance: 9/1/2012 v Sheffield (H); 4apps, 2 clean sheets.
FABIAN SMITH (MIDFIELD)
A much travelled player who has played for a number of clubs in the East Midlands area. Signed in November 2011 after appearing for Ilkeston FC in pre-season, but left after a brief stay to join Quorn. Can play out wide or at full-back and played for Ilkeston Town as a teenage prospect in 2003 after starting out with Scunthorpe United and Eastwood Town. Former clubs include Arnold Town, Carlton Town, Hucknall Town and Retford United. Debut: 7/11/2011 v New Mills (A); 0apps+1sub.
TYRELL WAITE (STRIKER)
Born Derby 1/7/1994. Striker with great potential who created history by scoring Ilkeston FC's historic first competitive goal and is also the club's youngest ever player making his debut aged 17 years and 43 days. Excellent form in the Academy in 2010/11, when he top scored with 14 goals including two in the Central Conference Reserves League Cup Final, ensured that he was handed a first team contract. Previously with Mickleover Sports, Holbrook and Chesterfield, he went on trial at Birmingham City in January 2012 but it was Notts County who snapped him up two months later. Debut: 13/8/2011 Goole AFC (H); Last Appearance: 10/3/2012 v Rainworth Miners Welfare (H); 8apps+27subs, 6goals (1pen).