Ilkeston celebrate first birthday

It will be exactly one year this Saturday since the launch of Ilkeston FC and club officials are planning to mark the occasion with a big birthday party at the New Manor Ground.

Newcastle Town are the visitors and chairman Dave Mantle said: “We want to make it a really special occasion and I hope the good people of Erewash share our sentiments.”

He added: “It has been an incredible journey so far, with many more highs than lows, and although Kevin Wilson might say it’s too early, I believe we already have plenty to celebrate.

“Ilkeston is well and truly back on the map in the football sense and although we’ve hardly scratched the surface in terms of what we want to achieve in the long-term, firm footings are already in place.”

It was on November 19 last year that Liquidator Dean Nelson announced that SR Education had successfully bid to take over the assts of Ilkeston Town FC.

He said at the time: “SR Education submitted a robust commercial business plan which detailed their vision and ambitions for the new club. I could not fail to be impressed with the competence of the team involved, which also secures the ongoing involvement of both Kevin Wilson and Darren Caskey, who have been fantastic throughout what has been a difficult eight-week period for everyone concerned.

“I’m confident the new club can now move forward to prosper for the good of supporters and the wider community, and hope that the Football Association give sufficient regard to the wonderful infrastructure already in place when it ultimately decides at what level the new club will partake.”

The punishment for liquidation was to be relegated two steps in the FA Pyramid. But having won the League & Cup double in the Central Conference with a talented team of apprentices, Ilkeston FC are now fighting their way back at senior level.

Added the chairman: “We’re delighted with progress so far and although it’s always a dangerous thing to start talking about achievements, Kevin Wilson won’t allow us to get carried away.

“The important thing is that a good standard of football has been restored to the New Manor Ground with a fantastic level of support and the promise of better things to come.

“It definitely will be a special day for us on Saturday and I really hope that people - regular supporters and otherwise - make the effort to come to our first birthday party.”