National challenge for local lads

Ilkeston FC manager Kevin Wilson is warning young hopefuls that he'll be casting his net far and wide again when the Robins hold their annual trials for potential Academy scholars.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League manager, pictured, insists that only top quality local talent need apply as he's happy to carry on recruiting from up and down the country.

The Premier Division outfit announced this week that planning had started for next season's intake at the New Manor Ground with the eighth, ninth and 11th of April set aside as recruitment days for players to impress Wilson and coach Darren Caskey.

Wilson said: "We will have vacancies for up to 25 lads to join the programme on July 10 and if anyone is interested they should apply for a trial place in April. The object of the exercise is to raise the standard of the intake every year.

"We achieved that this season by recruiting from further afield - from Guernsey to Grimsby - and although it doesn't necessarily follow that the new scholars will come from outside the area, they will have to show good potential."

The Robins say they're now inviting applications for their Scholar Recruitment Days from talented youngsters in the 16-19 age range who're interested in joining their youth programme.

The Academy includes a structured mix of football and full-time education over a two-year period and has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the most professionally run schemes within Non-League football.

Applications should be sent to the Ilkeston's manager at: k.wilson@ilkestonfc.co.uk.

* Monday night's postponed Derbyshire Senior Cup Quarter Final at home to Heanor Town has been rearranged for next Monday, 28 January.