Ilkeston Town Football Club Pen Pics March 2004

Ross Turner Goalkeeper

Started his career at Stocksbridge Park Steels and moved to Worsbrough Bridge before joining Scunthorpe United where he made one League appearance. Has since played for Alfreton Town, Worksop Town and Bradford Park Avenue before joining the Robins in November 2003.

Gavin Saxby Goalkeeper

Joined Ilkeston on loan from Alfreton Town in February 2004 to provide cover for Ross Turner and has proven to be a very reliable performer.

Darren Knowles Defender

A vastly experienced campaigner who started his career at Sheffield United but made his League debut at Stockport County. Darren then had lengthy spells at Scarborough and Hartlepool United. Since dropping into non league he has played for Northwich Victoria, Gainsborough Trinity and Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Scott Jones Defender

Born in Sheffield Scott started his career as a trainee at Barnsley before playing for Notts County and Mansfield Town on loan. He then joined Bristol Rovers in a deal worth £200,000 before moving on to York City. He made over 170 appearances for the Minstermen before joining Alfreton Town. Scott then had a brief spell at Matlock Town and joined Ilkeston in February 2004.

David Jervis Defender

Born in Mansfield David joined his local league side as a trainee. Released by Keith Curle and joined Gainsborough Trinity. A diminutive but busy player David could still have a bright future in the game.

Christian Stephens Defender/Midfielder

Christian is a player who has made his name at local side Greenwood Meadows. He likes to get forward and score goals and should relish the opportunity to prove his ability at a higher level.

Craig Swinscoe Defender  Craig started his career a trainee at Mansfield Town. He has since played Burton Albion and Corby Town and signed for Ilkeston Town in August 2003.

Joe Atkinson Defender

Joe started out as a trainee at Chesterfield but was signed by Ilkeston Town at the start of 2001-02 season. A left sided player Joe has developed into a confident performer who was one of the successes of last season.

Mark Lever Defender

Mark is a vastly experience player who spent most of his career at his first professional club Grimsby Town. Also played for Bristol City and Mansfield Town before joining the Robins last season and was instrumental in the teams run of good form. A rock at the back.

Danny Holyoak Defender

Danny was signed from King’s Lynn in August 2003. A strong and reliable performer he started his career as a trainee at Mansfield Town and also had a brief spell at Kettering Town.

Tony Brown Defender

In his second spell at Ilkeston after originally joining as a trainee. Was given his chance in the first team after some impressive performances in the reserves and will be looking to gain a regular first team berth this season.

Liam Walshe Midfielder

Born in Derby Liam started his career as a trainee at Lincoln City. Has since had spells at Gresley Rovers, Burton Albion, Shepshed Dynamo and Belper Town before joining the Robins in November 2003.

Michael Lyons Midfielder

Michael is a former trainee at Derby County and brother of former Robins Pat Lyons. Has also played for Hinckley United, Burton Albion and Mickleover Sports and looks to be a player with great potential.

Paul Eshelby Midfielder

A vastly experienced player who started his career at Exeter City. Has since played for Scarborough, Alfreton Town, Worksop Town and Gainsborough Trinity. Paul is now in his second spell at Ilkeston originally joining the club seven years ago and is a big crowd favourite.

Mark Laws Midfielder American born Mark started his career as a trainee at Mansfield Town but has since played for Bilborough FC and Eastwood Town. Joined Ilkeston in August 2003. Has proved to be an excellent signing and has turned in some match winning performances this season.

Steve Coates Midfielder

Steve was recruited from Gresley Rovers for whom he played nearly 100 games and was voted Player of the Year in 2000-2001. A cultured performer he started out at Stoke City before turning out for Rothwell Town, VS Rugby, Leicester United and Hinckley United. Steve is a very highly rated player and was once an England Schoolboy International. Spent sometime last season on loan at Solihull Borough but his now back on top form.

Liam Shirley Midfielder

Liam made one first team appearance for the Robins last season but impressed in the reserves and will be hoping to gain a more regular fist team spot this season.

Fabian Smith Midfielder

Fabian is a local lad who started out as a trainee at Scunthorpe United. He signed for Ilkeston in August 2003 and looks to be a good prospect.

Russell Cooke Midfielder

A former Notts County trainee Russell signed for Ilkeston Town after being released by Hucknall Town. Plays the anchor role in midfield with a maturity beyond his years.

Andy Evans Forward

Born in Aberystwyth Andy started his career at Cardiff City before joining his hometown club Aberystwyth Town. He then joined Barnsley for a £15,000 fee where he made two appearances before playing for Mansfield Town and Chester City. Andy has since played for Stalybridge Celtic, Frickley Athletic and Belper Town before joining Ilkeston in January 2004.

Chris Freestone Forward

Born in Nottingham Chris came to prominence after spells with Grimsby Town reserves and Eastwood Town. He eventually joined Arnold where he was spotted by Middlesborough. He spent four years at the Premier ship club before joining Northampton and then Hartlepool. Chris has since had spells at Shrewsbury, Cheltenham Town, Forest Green, Dundalk, Leek Town and King’s Lynn. Chris showed last season that he has not lost his goalscoring touch and will continue to be an asset this season.

Chris Thompson Forward

Chris started his career as a trainee at Ilkeston in 1996. After a promising start he left and has since played for Matlock Town and Arnold Town. Spent last season regaining his confidence in the reserves and will be looking to make the most of his second chance at the New Manor Ground.

Aaron O’Connor Forward

Now in his third spell at Ilkeston Town Aaron rejoined the Robins after a brief spell at Nuneaton Borough earlier this season. Played League football at Scunthorpe United last season after impressing in Ilkeston’s successful reserve side. Has explosive pace and a sure touch which will always trouble defenders.

Phil Stant Forward

Recently appointed manager but had to come out of retirement to lead the attack. Vastly experienced player who includes Hereford United, Notts County, Mansfield Town, Fulham, Bury and Cardiff City amongst the many clubs he has represented. Was manager at Lincoln City and Gainsborough Trinity before joining the Robins in October 2003.

J.Shiels

www.whiteballproject.co.uk