Palmer returns to stake claim

Charlie Palmer took over as temporary manager of Mickleover Sports on Monday and the club say the former Derby County and Notts County defender will be in the running to take charge on a permanent basis.

Palmer, who had been on the coaching team at The Raygar Stadium until recent budget cuts, replaced youth team coaches Dave Chambers and Dave Mckenzie. The pair led the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South side to a vital 3-2 home win over Halesowen Town on Saturday after stepping in as joint caretaker managers following the departure of Dick Pratley last week.

Sports parted company with Pratley after six years at the helm. Assistant manager Colin Hoyle also went after a six-game run without a league win.

Palmer’s first chance to stake his claim as the club starts advertising the post comes at home to Stamford in the Doodson Sport Cup Second Round on Tuesday night. The Daniels are also in the hunt for a new manager after Graham Drury left on Monday to take over at Conference North Boston United. Experienced midfielder David Staff was immediately installed as caretaker manager at Kettering Road.