Tyrell made to ‘Waite’ on Robins return

Tyrell Waite is itching to take on his old team-mates in what he hopes will be a return to the New Manor Ground with Notts County tomorrow (3pm).

The 18-year-old left us to join the Magpies in March following a successful trial spell, moving up five divisions in the process.

The npower League One side also have a friendly at Buxton that kicks off at the same time, but Waite has his fingers crossed he will be asked to play against his old club – and use a first run-out of pre-season to push his claims for a first-team place in the coming months.

“I haven’t really spoken to any of the (Ilkeston) lads about it, but it is a game I can’t wait for and one I have been looking forward to since it was announced, so I’d love to go back,” said Waite (pictured).

“I enjoyed my time at Ilkeston and it would be nice to play against them. It’s gone well for me since I moved to Notts and I see this as a game where I can put myself in the first team picture.

“I’ve been training with the first-team squad and I’m hoping I can get quite a few first-team games in this year.

“Already I’ve learned quite a lot in a short space of time because there are a lot of experienced players at Notts who know their stuff.”

Waite is convinced our youth set-up is all geared up for others to follow in his footsteps by making the move from non-league to Football League.

He became the first player produced by the system since the club’s rebirth to make the step up into the professional ranks.

Waite said: “The club puts a lot of effort into bringing youngsters through and Kevin Wilson and Darren Caskey were very helpful during my time there.

“You have to dedicate yourself if you want to make it through to the professional ranks, but they push you hard at Ilkeston to help you along.

“There is definitely a good chance of others following me because the structure is good and they have some good young players.”