Hitman Ricketts on the mend

Ilkeston FC fans can breathe a sigh of relief to learn that Gary Ricketts’ rib injury is not as bad as first feared – and that he should be fit to face Chorley on Saturday.

The veteran striker, last season’s Evo-Stik NPL Division One South Player of the Year, has started the season well with two goals in his first four matches for us.

Ricketts (pictured) was forced off in Bank Holiday Monday’s 2-1 derby victory over Eastwood with the worry that he had cracked or broken a bone.

Boss Kevin Wilson has revealed the former Hucknall man should be fine, but insists that too much emphasis should not be placed on one man’s contribution.

“We’ll know a lot more after training tonight, but it seems that he hasn’t broken anything and should be alright,” he said.

“I don’t like anyone getting injured, whether it’s Gary Ricketts, Darren Caskey or anyone else because it’s a team game.

“I know certain people will get me goals and others will put me a tackle in and they all have their value. Gary’s important, of course, because he’s experienced, but he’s just one of a whole squad I value highly.”

Defender Ryan Wilson’s groin injury has also improved and it is anticipated he will play a part in one of two games in three days, with a Monday night home clash against Rushall following the weekend’s trip to Lancashire.

But midfielder Laurie Wilson (shoulder) and Daryll Thomas (hamstring) are not likely to be involved until the FA Cup tie with Coalville Town - our first since reforming - on September 8. Another forward Alex Ford has also picked up a hamstring niggle that has prevented him being sent out on loan to get some games under his belt.

The injury list has not helped our cause in the early part of the season, but Wilson insists expectations should be reined in a little having taken four points from the first four matches to begin the Premier Division campaign.

He said: “Sometimes all of us - the management, the chairman, players and fans - can be guilty of getting carried away after getting promoted.

“It takes a little time to adapt, even for good players and we shouldn’t forget we’ve had a tough start. Fylde were 25 games unbeaten coming into this season, Rushall have recruited well in the summer and have won their first four matches, Nantwich are going for it and this weekend we have a Chorley side who went close to promotion last season.

“We have a budget that suits us and we must remember that Ilkeston Town went under by pushing too far.”

* Our development squad hosted a strong Stockport County side at the New Manor Ground yesterday and lost 5-3, with 16-year-old Ryan Osborne netting a hat-trick for the Robins.