Cully’s poised to pick up where he left off

James Cullingworth is set to cap a day of hectic activity at the New Manor Ground tonight when he signs on again with Ilkeston FC.

The regular right back throughout last season’s charge to promotion, Cullingworth (pictured) then headed off to Australia during the summer and has spent the past few months playing for Manly.

But it was always his intention to return in the autumn and with Chris Jones recently ending his brief spell with the Robins, Kevin Wilson has offered the former Eastwood, Hucknall and Boston United player the chance to pick up where he left off.

Said the manager: “Cully’s international clearance has come through today and hopefully we can complete the formalities at training tonight.

“We know what we’re getting with him. He is a good footballer who has proved himself at a higher level than we’re at now - and he knows our dressing room.

“He’s an infectious character who has kept himself fit by playing with Manly and if everything falls into place, he will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s FA Trophy game at Whitby.”

Other comings and goings to report are that talented young defender Ellis Storey has gone on loan to Mickleover Sports while Andrew Osei-Siribour and Alex Ford have today completed their loans spells with Belper and Hucknall respectively.

Ford, the summer signing from Nottimgham junior club AFC Beeston, signed off last night with a two-goal blast against Sutton Coldfield which took his tally to eight in seven games.

Added Wilson: “Alex in particular has done exactly what we were looking for during his time out on loan and we now have to look very carefully at how to manage the next stage of his development.

“Hopefully Ellis will look at what he has achieved and go to Mickleover determined to emulate him. He is an excellent prospect who has made good progress this season.

“But over the past few weeks, Ellis has spent too much time sitting on the bench and he needs to get games under his belt.”

* Goals in each half from Luke Shaw and Akil Wright gave our Academy a 2-0 victory over Harrogate Town in the Football Conference Youth League at the New Manor Ground this afternoon.