Battle for starting places is on

Kevin Wilson insists places are still ‘up for grabs’ in his Ilkeston FC starting line-up to begin the new league campaign ahead of their last scheduled friendly at Mickleover Sports tonight.

We kick-off our Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division season a week on Saturday when AFC Fylde visit the New Manor Ground.

Wilson admits he does have some idea of the team he would most like to field against the Coasters, albeit that may partly be affected by injuries.

But by the same token he says there is still time for individuals to force their way into his plans - not just in this game, but also in the training sessions to come.

“The Mickloever game is a chance for people to put their names in the hat as well as to make sure we are ready for the start of the new season,” said Wilson.

“I’ve had an idea of a possible side to start against Fylde for two weeks now, but that does not mean it will not change. As a manager you always have to be open-minded.

“There are always going to be injuries and loss of form. Some people will train well and others will not. The bottom line is that no player is guaranteed their place and they are all working for one.”

Laurie Wilson is unlikely to figure as he continues his return to fitness, but Dan Partridge (pictured) is set to be back in the fray.

Boss Wilson has in his mind exactly what he wants to get from each player at Station Road in terms of time on the pitch and will tailor that to suit.

He said: “Everyone knows that I am a manager who doesn’t like to change things around for the sake of it. I think carefully about the changes I do make and we are trying to get people through 90 minutes.

“But for this game it’s all about treating individual cases on their merits. I know where each of them are in their preparations. What Gary Ricketts and Russell Cooke might need is entirely different to what someone like Matt Richards might.

“It may still be that we organise another game early next week if there are players who still need to get some more action.”

* An Ilkeston FC academy squad travelled to take on a Manchester Metropolitan University academy side and ran out 7-1 winners.