Wilson wins over double act

Former Burton Albion defensive duo Chris Palmer and Aaron Webster have signed on non contract terms at Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Ilkeston FC.

The former Brewers pair still hope to resurrect their Football League careers and Robins manager Kevin Wilson, pictured, has revealed how he struck a deal to strengthen his defence by offering them the chance of first team football in the NPL's top flight to showcase their talents.

Palmer played for the Premier Division's Robins in pre-season in an emphatic 5-0 romp over First Division South side Coalville Town last week while Aaron Webster linked up at training on Wednesday night.

Both players have an extensive footballing careers with one club man Webster, 32, having played for the Brewers in a successful 15 year career that saw him score 79 goals in 475 appearances. The versatile Palmer, 29, who can fill numerous positions on the pitch when called upon, has also played for Derby County, Darlington, Notts County, Hereford, Gillingham, Wycombe Wanderers and Walsall before moving to the New Manor Ground.

The Robins open the new Premier Division campaign away to Whitby Town on Saturday and manager Kevin Wilson said: "I'm delighted to have these two boys join us at Ilkeston, they're two quality signings that we're really pleased to have them here. We're going to have to see in the long run whether they will stop with us for a considerable amount of time, as they still both want to play at a higher level, which I really believe they can do at this stage in their careers.

"I'm just incredibly thankful that they wanted to come here for the foreseeable future, they had a look at our facilities and the squad we've got and they were both impressed with what they saw and that's why they're here now. This deal is nothing to do with finances, they're just two great players who're looking to impress and get back into the Football League, the deal works two ways here as it really at benefits both parties, with us giving them first team football and a chance to prove their fitness and quality, whilst we gain two strong players."

Wilson added: "As I've said earlier the summer fans had to be patient with me with regards to new signings, I believe that has paid off as we now look as if we've got a good squad ahead of the start of the season and things are really coming together."