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As we eagerly await the fixtures for the 2024-25 season, many of us will remember that eight seasons ago (2016-17 season) Ilkeston didn’t start their fixtures until 2 weeks after the other clubs. This was due to a suspension imposed by the Northern Premier League. We never recovered from that delayed start and were relegated with 27 points from 46 games. It was also the season we were humiliated by Mickleover who put seven goals past us on Boxing Day. As well as relegation we were demoted by another two steps to Step 6 as a result of going into Administration.

That was my low point while following Ilkeston. Since then there have been 3 promotions and two top half finishes. 

2017-18 : Promoted from Midland Football League Division One
2018-19 : Promoted from Midland Football League Premier Division
2019-20 : Covid interrupted season
2020-21 : Covid interrupted season
2021-22 : Promoted from NPL Midlands Division
2022-23 : Finished 7th in Southern League Premier Central
2023-24 : Finished 11th in NPL Premier Division 

We were rescued at the end of the 2016-17 season by Alan Hardy who remained as owner for the next two promotion seasons. But Hardy left Ilkeston in financial difficulties and the club had to be rescued again. We were fortunate that Dave Hilton and Andrew Nally came in and cleared the debts as well as transforming the New Manor Ground pitch to what it is now. Ambitious Dave Hilton resigned in a bid to become owner of Scunthorpe United in January 2023 leaving Andrew Nally in charge. Initial concerns following Hilton’s departure proved to be unfounded and Andrew Nally has proved to be safe hands and a popular owner.




 

Last edited by Matchman (28/6/2024 3:27 AM)