Mmmm let me think of a question .....
Will we actually have a first team ?
I think everyone will asking that one .

Matchman wrote:

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My interpretation of the changes at Ilkeston Town FC. 

So many non-league clubs rely on an owner piling in money. That’s certainly been the case at promoted Hednesford where success has been bought at a high cost. And success on the field does bring in the crowds but more often than not it doesn’t last in the long term. That’s boom and bust.  

Ilkeston experienced falling gates last season and have decided to try a different approach cutting their wage costs by using more “up and coming” younger players as opposed to more experienced and therefore more expensive players. In other words the club will be playing at a sustainable level rather than living beyond it’s means, Will this work? We’re about to find out. It may be tough to start with.  

Many clubs at our level find that their academy players can’t make the step up to first team football. Ilkeston with a large number of junior clubs have decided to try to make the step up easier by having a reserve team for the older junior players to get some experience of the more physical mens football at a lower level.  

Nearly all of last season’s players have left the club so it’s a fresh start for the new managers. Can they put together a team capable of competing at Step 3? With a few experienced players to guide the hand picked hungry younger players, it could work. Success on the field won’t be instant as it will take time for the new team to gel and for the younger players get used to playing against more physical old “pro’s”. 

The pre-season games should show supporters the standard of players we have, and that should give us an indication of our prospects in the Northern Premier League.  

Before then, the Fans Forum with Tristram Whitman and Aaron Large, gives supporters an opportunity to ask questions and get an idea of what to expect in the coming season.





 

I don't mind at all if this is true about using a lot of young players with a few older experience ones . The thing I can't get and yes I know it's still early days BUT the ought to put out either that intention or at least say all will be revealed on the gans forum night . So at the fans would know for sure what is happening. I just think it would be good if you are putting out there will be season tickets and a new away shirt they could put out a players reveal ..
   We all  speculate what will/ might be going off that's a normal end of season thing or is just me guys .
   When the manager said on the night of the supprters group  committee night that we won't be going for the play offs , I thought thank God for that . Thinking of promotion is way to big for our club at this moment of time . Or is that just me again.
    Again I will say it as long we have a main football club is this town and I know Nally will make sure of it , that's great with me

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What I gleaned from last night’s forum. 

Tris and Aaron portrayed their teams as producers of good to watch, possession football using young players who are more interested in learning and improving their game than how much they could earn. This apparently worked for them at Hucknall (Step 5) on a very low budget and they believe that it can also work at Step 3 with better players and on better pitches, albeit in a tougher league. The players they were looking to sign had to be “a good fit” as regards character as much as ability.  

Tris spoke of bringing in a much improved standard of discipline and behaviour which would be expected of players at all times on and off the pitch.  

They certainly showed belief in their own ability and Aaron stated that he and Tris were not here for the money but to prove that their coaching and system can work at a higher level. Owner Andy Nally stated that the team’s current management was costing far less than it did last season.  

When pressed on how many players we had, Tris said that they had eight players so far but they were working hard to find the players they wanted. He said that he was constantly being provided with profiles of players who look suitable but sometimes after seeing them in training or a practice match they don’t fit the system. There could therefore be a high turnover of players in the pre-season friendlies.  

When asked what their target expectations were for the season, Tris said patience was needed until they had a settled team so mid table would be the immediate aim.  

Regarding the newly formed Reserve team, Tris said the primary object was to provide an introduction to mens football for Ilkeston Juniors players but given time the Reserves could provide a stepping stone to the first team. 


   

Last edited by Matchman (11/6/2026 4:14 AM)

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Official Forum Recap


Tris Whitman, Aaron Large and Andrew Nally Outline Plans for the Future.
Around 100 Robins supporters gathered in the clubhouse on Wednesday evening for the club’s first Fans Forum under the new management team of Tristram Whitman and Aaron Large.Hosted by club stadium announcer and bar manager Zane Henson, the evening provided supporters with an opportunity to meet the new management team, ask questions and hear first-hand about the plans and ambitions for the season ahead.Following introductions, the floor was opened to supporters.

Squad Building
One of the first questions centred around player recruitment and the current state of the squad.Whitman confirmed that work is ongoing behind the scenes, with discussions continuing with several players ahead of pre-season.“We are actively working and negotiating with players.“We’re not going to be naive and bring players in purely for numbers. They have to fit our style of play and be ready to step up for the club.“That being said, players are coming through the door, and supporters can expect more announcements as we get closer to pre-season.”

Consistency and Competing at the Top End
Supporters questioned how the management team intend to turn strong performances into sustained consistency throughout a demanding Northern Premier League campaign.Whitman highlighted the importance of maintaining clear principles while adapting to the challenges presented by different opponents and conditions.“We have a set way of playing, systems and principles that we believe can make us competitive.“Of course, that may have to adapt depending on pitches, opposition and different styles, but we fully back ourselves to implement it.“We’re not the type of coaches who will field weaker teams. Every game we play, we want to win.”

Balancing Experience and Youth
The role of younger players within the squad was another topic of discussion.Drawing on his previous experiences, Whitman stressed the importance of blending experienced players with talented young prospects.“We have to blend our approach.“That means experienced players who understand the level and what this club is about, but it’s also important to provide opportunities to younger players.“If they’re good enough, fit the profile and have the right attitude, they’ll get their chance.”

Style of Play
When asked what supporters could expect to see on the pitch this season, assistant manager Aaron Large outlined an approach built around clear principles rather than rigid systems.“We try to blend our experiences from playing and academy football.“It’s not about one set system, but having clear principles, moving as a unit, winning defensive duels and pressing effectively.“We want to play from the back when opportunities arise, connect passes and build into areas where we can control the ball.“The more you have the ball, the more control you have over the game. That’s why player profiles are so important to us. We need players who are adaptable, but who can also fulfil their key responsibilities within the team.”

Improving Discipline
The management team’s approach to discipline was also discussed.Whitman admitted that unnecessary suspensions can have a negative impact across a season and emphasised the importance of maintaining composure.“If you’re losing players through suspension, it doesn’t help anybody.“I believe frustration leads to recklessness.“As a character, I’m relatively calm. If I show emotion, it’ll be in the changing room. There’s no point venting at referees or players on the pitch because it doesn’t help anyone.“We’ve put a heavy fine system in place to ensure those standards don’t slip.”

The Reserve Team Pathway
Supporters also heard about the club’s new reserve team and its role in developing future first-team players.Large explained how the side has been introduced to bridge the gap between junior football and senior football.“The reserve team has been set up to bridge the gap between junior football and the first team.“The end goal is to develop players capable of stepping into the first team, but the jump from Under-18s football is significant.“It’s important that we can oversee that reserve team, offer players the opportunity to train with us when they’re ready and keep a close eye on their development.“It allows them to continue playing competitive football in an Ilkeston environment, giving them a less pressured setting to show what they’re capable of before making that next step.”

Targets for the Season Ahead
When asked about objectives for the coming campaign, Whitman emphasised the importance of building strong foundations first.“Firstly, we can only look at how the club has been over the past few seasons.“It is a rebuild, but the first thing we need to do is identify and recruit the right player profiles.“We’re confident we can build a team capable of improving on last season and, from there, continue progressing and attracting the next level of player.”

Building Relationships with Supporters
The evening concluded with a discussion around strengthening the connection between supporters and the management team.Whitman reaffirmed his commitment to openness and authenticity.“You will always get the same version of us.“We want to improve on what has gone before, strengthen relationships with supporters and help create an even better atmosphere around the club.“We’ll listen, work with supporters and aim to progress on the pitch in the same way the club has progressed off it.”

Chairman’s Update
Following questions directed towards the management team, chairman Andrew Nally addressed supporters regarding the club’s continued journey towards long-term sustainability.Nally spoke openly about how budgets have been allocated ahead of the new season compared to previous campaigns, explaining that a number of cost-saving measures had been implemented across other areas of the business in order to strengthen investment into the first-team operation.Supporters also heard about the progress being made away from the pitch, with the chairman highlighting the anticipated completion of the new padel courts as a significant development for the club.Once operational, the facility is expected to generate an important increase in revenue, helping to further support the club’s ambitions both on and off the field.The update reinforced the club’s commitment to building a sustainable future, ensuring that growth off the pitch can continue to support progress on it.The club would like to thank everyone who attended Wednesday evening’s Fans Forum. The excellent turnout and engagement demonstrated once again the passion and commitment that exists within the Robins community.Preparations for the new season continue, and the management team look forward to building that journey together with the supporters.