Matchman wrote:

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Ilkeston Town FC 
Season 2026-27 in monthly instalments  

April / May 2026
The previous season saw the end of the Ian Deakin era which had lasted for three seasons. A new management duo was appointed in quick time. Despite some big name applicants, the job was given to Tristram Whitman and Aaron Large who were previously at Hucknall Town. There was an initial feeling of surprise as the new incumbents were pretty much unknown to most supporters and their previous experience was at Step 5. As predicted, nearly all of Ian Deakin’s players notified the club that they would be leaving. Initially just three players opted to stay, Colin Daniel, L’Varn Brandy and Jordan Stevens. So Ilkeston would start the 2026-27 season with virtually a completely different team. Fans were frustrated that in the weeks following the new managers appointment, no new player signings had been announced. However, It was announced that there would be a Fans Forum on 10th June and season tickets prices were published on 29th May. (Adult £220, Concession £145). It had been decided to form a reserve team to create a pathway to the first team. Trials were held and manager Maculay Dunmore chose a squad which included nine Ilkeston Juniors players.



June '26 month to follow



 

seriously guys i really do hope the new management team  have great news of new signings at the fans forum 

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July 2026

 Jevin Seaton and Pharrell Johnson signed with Johnson given a 12 month contract.The first pre-season friendly took place against Belper United at Mickleover and a 4-2 win was achieved. This was followed by a home friendly against Stapleford Town and another win was recorded, this time 3-0. After originally saying he would stay, L’Varn Brandy decided to leave. After two matches against lower ranked opposition we went to National League North, Worksop Town. Worksop provided a stern test but we came though it with a creditable performance losing by 3-1. The next scheduled pre-season fixture was against Eastwood but a prank by the two Ilkeston players who had signed for Eastwood resulted in the game being cancelled. That match was replaced by a trip to Clipstone FC. Eight trialists were used and Ilkeston ran out 4-2 winners. On Thursday 16th July, the Northern Premier League fixtures were released giving us a home start against Stockton, followed by two away matches against Emley and Whitby. Two more signings were announced, Sam Newell from Alfreton and Dylan Reason from Hucknall. Our next friendly was against Barwell at the NMG. It was a below par performance and a first pre-season defeat. Two more coaches were brought in, Rich Allen and Louis Minney. Friendly number six was at home to Shepshed Dynamo and after a much improved second half Ilkeston ran out 2-1 winners. The standout player was trialist Anthony Dwyer and he was duly added to the squad. The penultimate pre-season friendly was on Tuesday evening 28th July against Basford United at the NMG and it turned out to be a really entertaining game with Ilkeston running out 4-1 winners. It was a big surprise to see Ash Hunter was one of Ilkeston’s trialists. Then on Thursday it was announced that he was back where he started and in the eyes of most supporters, Ilkeston’s prospects had taken a massive turn for the better. On the last day of the month it was announced that another goalkeeper had been signed, Theo Avery, bringing the total number of signed players to 17.

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Last edited by Matchman (31/7/2026 6:43 PM)