Let’s get going, says Wilson
Kevin Wilson admitted today that he “can’t wait” for Ilkeston FC’s Premier Division campaign to get underway.
Joe Maguire and skipper Russell Cooke (pictured) were the only first-teamers who figured last night in the 1-0 defeat at Hucknall Town - the remainder of the squad took part in a training session designed to top up their fitness.
And the manager said: “I think I speak for all the lads when I say that pre-season appears to be lingering on this year. We’re ready... and August 18 cannot come quickly enough because we just want to get going.
“At this stage last season we were still in the process of signing up players, looking at trialists and busily trying to fit people into a pattern of play.
“Because the majority of last year’s team are still here, the challenge this time has not been the same. It’s been more a case of getting the players fit and deciding what we need to do to get the best out of them in the higher standard of football.
“These things have a habit of coming back to bite you but to be honest, I think we are in a good place at the moment. With a bit of luck, we will have a full-strength side available to play at Mickleover on Friday - and then it’s the real thing.”
Gary Ricketts, Daryll Thomas and Ryan Wilson were all sufficiently recovered from injury to enable them to train normally last night and Laurie Wilson was also able to do a light session.
Added Wilson: “Laurie is the one who is causing us most concern. But the good news is that he is making progress and hopefully he can make significant strides towards getting back to full fitness over the next 10 days.”
• Ilkeston FC are looking for four part-time catering assistants to work at the ground - primarily on match-days. If you are interested, please email club secretary Andrew Raisin at a.raisin@ilkestonfc.co.uk.
• The Ilkeston FC Supporters Group are running a Market Stall in the Market Place on Saturday from 9am-3pm. Official club merchandise will be on sale and supporters will also be able to take out membership of the group.
