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)

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September 26
After a disappointing first six matches, personnel changes started to be made . Lynden Joyce was loaned to Clipstone and Harry Wakefield joined Corby. L’Varn Brandy rejoined Ilkeston after a short spell at Eastwood and Dylan Reason was recalled from his loan spell at Grantham. Will Grewal-Pollard was signed on a dual registration from Redditch United in time for the FA Cup match at Leamington which was lost 3-1 after conceding two early goals. Anthony Dwyer scored the Ilkeston goal. Three more players came in Terry Hawkridge, Cherif Yaya (on loan) and Sonnie Davis (on loan). On 12th September we were away to Workington and it was another 3-1 defeat after again giving our opponents a two goal start. Anthony Dwyer gave us hope of a comeback but a penalty conceded ended that ambition. The match scheduled for the 19th against Warrington Rylands was postponed due to Rylands FA Cup involvement so we had a blank Saturday. The next match was 26th September against Anstey Nomads at home in the FA Trophy. Before that it was announced that popular bar manager, Zane Henson had left to be the new landlord of the Borough Arms public house. Goalkeeper cover was announced with the dual registration of Jake Sykes from Skegness, then another one month loan signing was announced, midfielder, Cohen Lee from Rotherham United. Two further signings were announced on 24th and 25th September, that of forward Tom Jennings who previously played for St Albans City and Luke Matykiewicz on a 28 day loan from Leeds United. On 29th September another loan signing was announced, Jesse Omoregbee, That made eleven new players brought into the squad in September month, enough for a whole new team.
      1    Dylan Reason (recalled from his loan to Grantham) 
      2    L’Varn Brandy
      3    Will Grewal-Pollard
      4    Terry Hawkridge
      5    Cherif Yaya  (loan)
      6    Sonnie Davis (loan) 
      7    Jake Sykes
      8    Cohen Lee  (loan)
      9    Tom Jennings
    10    Luke Matykiewicz
    11    Jesse Omoregbee
The Trophy game against Anstey Nomads ended in a third consecutive 3-1 defeat with Anthony Dwyer once again our lone goalscorer. The final match of September was the re-arranged home game against Warrington Rylands on Tuesday 29th under the NMG lights. It was a much better performance especially in the first half but another defeat so all four matches in September had ended in defeat. No points and exits from the FA Cup and FA Trophy. We were now in the relegation places. Our last eight league matches had produced just one point. On Wednesday the club issued a statement saying that Tris Whitman and Aaron Large had been relieved of their duties. Club officials and senior players would take charge until a new manager was installed. Applications for the vacant position were invited