Robins lure Forest legend Chettle

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Ilkeston FC have lured Steve Chettle away from Nottingham Forest.

The Premier Division’s ambitious Robin announced on Monday that the 45-year-old, pictured, will arrive at their New Manor Ground next month to run their Academy and become manager Kevin Wilson’s new number two. Chettle, who is currently Forest’s Under-18 coach, must serve a period of notice before switching and replacing Wilson’s former assistant manager Darren Caskey.

Wilson's new assistant already has close links with the Robins after ending his career with the now defunct Ilkeston Town following spells with Barnsley, Walsall and Grimsby. His midfielder son Callum has also figured regularly in Wilson’s first-team this season while still a 17-year-old scholar and is a key member of the side that impressively qualified for the second round proper of the FA Youth Cup.

According to Ilkeston FC Chairman Dave Mantle, the former defender, who made 415 appearances for Forest in a 13-year stint at the City Ground, is well worth the wait. "Steve expressed an interest as soon as he discovered that we had a vacancy and it’s an added bonus that he’ll be able to hit the ground running because he has been to many of our games this season to see Callum in action," he said.

"It’s a massive appointment for us and although we really need someone in now to work alongside Kevin, it will be worth the wait. We knew when Darren Caskey left us last month to join Gateshead that he would be an incredibly tough act to follow but Steve is perfect for the role.

"He’s a hugely experienced youth coach with a great knowledge of young players in this region and it’s ideal for both parties that he also wants to be involved at senior level. The whole philosophy of our club is based around discovering and developing young players and it’s a testament to what we are trying to do that Steve is prepared to leave Nottingham Forest and join us."

Mantle added: "We’re really excited about the progress we have made in less than three years since we formed Ilkeston FC and having Steve’s experience, knowledge and ability on board can only help to take us to the next level."