Morgan can be main man

Ilkeston FC pulled off a major transfer coup on Tuesday by persuading former Nottingham Forest midfielder David Morgan to take on the role of play-maker for the 2014-15 EVO-STIK League season at their New Manor Ground.

The young Irishman, pictured, is desperate to re-launch his career after being released by Nottingham Forest and turned down offers to play at a higher level to sign for the Robins and join manager Kevin Wilson's squad.

The 20-year-old said he saw enough in the pre-season games against Forest, Derby County, Leicester City and Burton Albion to convince him that he can achieve what he wants with the Robins in the EVO-STIK League's top flight.

He said: "I know Steve Chettle well from our time together at Forest and when I knew I was being released, I rang him to ask if there would be any chance of me training at Ilkeston. To be honest, I only saw it as a way of keeping fit. But one thing led to another and now I’m looking forward to starting the season with them."

Morgan, who came across from Belfast to join Forest as a 14-year-old, has been a member of the Northern Ireland U21 squad since he was 17. Two years ago, he was named as Forest’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’.

He blames the regular changes of management at the City Ground in recent seasons for hampering his chances of making the breakthrough into the Football League and told the Robins website on Tuesday that loan spells with Lincoln, Dundee and Tamworth hadn't help his cause.

He said: "Forest had six managers during my six years with the club and I never really felt that I had the opportunity to impress any of them. It seemed that every time I came back from a loan spell I was starting from square one again. I felt like the forgotten man and to be honest, it was no great surprise to learn that they were releasing me.

"Obviously I’m disappointed but Ilkeston FC are offering me a fresh start and I’m determined to make the most of it. I guess the supporters will be expecting big things of me and that’s fine. I’ll relish the challenge."

He added: "The fact that we’re training every day definitely influenced my decision. I’m working with a great bunch of lads who are as ambitious as me and hopefully we can bring out the best in each other."

Wilson believes the midfielder can have a big influence once the season kicks off on Saturday and said: "David should be playing League football in my opinion and he’s a tremendous signing for us. It speaks volumes for our club that we can attract players of this quality and our decision to go full-time was clearly a factor."

He added: "He’s an ambitious lad who obviously wants to go higher. But he understands that by signing for us, he’ll have the platform to get to where he wants to go."

Image courtesy of www.nottinghamforest.co.uk