Defender returns from duty down under

James Cullingworth is set to cap a day of hectic activity at the New Manor Ground on Wednesday night when he signs on again at Ilkeston FC.

Cullingworth, pictured, was a regular at right-back throughout last season’s charge to promotion to the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division and is back after heading down under to Australia to play for Manly in the summer.

The Robins knew the defender intended to return in the autumn and with former Derby County defender Chris Jones’ brief spell at an end, Kevin Wilson has offered the former Eastwood, Hucknall and Boston United player the chance to pick up where he left off.

The Robins manager said: "Cully’s international clearance has come through today and hopefully we can complete the formalities at training tonight [Wednesday]. We know what we’re getting with him. He is a good footballer who has proved himself at a higher level than we’re at now - and he knows our dressing room.

"He’s an infectious character who has kept himself fit by playing with Manley and if everything falls into place, he will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s FA Trophy game at Whitby."

Ilkeston went out of the FA Cup on Tuesday night after losing their Fourth Qualifying Replay at home to AFC Flyde but Wilson believes his squad can only get better with Cullingworth’s return and news of the continuing development of the club’s young stars.

Talented defender Ellis Storey has gone on loan to Mickleover Sports while Andrew Osei-Siribour and Alex Ford have completed successful loans spells with Belper and Hucknall respectively.

Ford, the summer signing from Nottingham junior club AFC Beeston, signed off on Tuesday with a two-goal blast against Sutton Coldfield, taking his tally to eight in seven games.

Wilson added: "Alex in particular has done exactly what we were looking for during his time out on loan and we now have to look very carefully at how to manage the next stage of his development.

"Hopefully Ellis will look at what he has achieved and go to Mickleover determined to emulate him. He is an excellent prospect who has made good progress this season. But over the past few weeks Ellis has spent too much time sitting on the bench and he needs to get games under his belt."