Holmes among trio of new signings
ILKESTON Town manager Kevin Wilson boosted his firepower when he persuaded Eastwood striker Ian Holmes to join the Robins - on the night he snapped up another potent striker.
Former Bournemouth player Chukki Eribenne also arrives to lend weight to a strike force already boasting England "C" international Amari Morgan-Smith and the vastly experienced duo of Jason Lee and Gary Ricketts.
And former Glasgow Rangers striker David Graham has the all-clear to start pre-season training after suffering a broken leg playing for Ilkeston Town last autumn.
Former Northern Ireland international forward Wilson said:"In games last year, we didn't score enough from chances and I feel we need to be stronger there.
"We kept clean sheets and with David Graham and the signings, we have brought experience. It's what we need."
Many fans will recall 24-year-old Holmes' early career with Matlock Town, when he scored 34 goals in a season before being snapped up by Mansfield Town. Due to a change in managers he never settled in the Football League and went on loan to Telford before arriving at Eastwood, for whom he played 40 times.
Holmes said: "I'm looking forward to hopefully playing regular first team football again. It's a good set up at Ilkeston and hopefully we can play some attractive football and I can get amongst the goals again.
"Looking at the team and the management I don't think it's beyond us to reach the play-offs next season by any means. I've spoken with Kevin Wilson and he seems to have some good ideas, he's a dedicated manager and has just signed a long term deal so he's looking for stability and doesn't want to be moving loads of players in and out.
"He's very experienced and he played as a striker himself so that appeals to me. The whole set up seems really professional and I just can't wait for pre-season now.
"Ilkeston seem to vary their system quite a lot - they can play two, three or sometimes even four up front and I can play any of those positions, and I came in from the left flank quite a lot at Matlock.
"I'm happy to play wherever the manager wants and I'm just looking forward to hopefully playing regularly and getting some goals in me."
Eribenne, 29, began his career at Coventry City and later scored 13 goals for Weymouth as they won promotion to the Football Conference. He moved back to the Midlands and settled at Hinckley United, playing against Ilkeston in the last campaign.
Left-back Sam Clare, just released by Division Two Chesterfield, has arrived at the New Manor Ground. Wilson is hoping the 18-year-old will be able to provide an attacking impetus as well as defensive work.
Former Alfreton Town and Hucknall player Ryan Clarke, 26, has already signed to offer similar options from the right back berth.
Paul Dempsey, Liam Green and Josh Burge have all agreed to remain at Ilkeston Town, fighting for places in the midfield. And Wilson says the return of Ricketts could see the striker taking on more coaching work.
Pre-season training starts on Saturday June 26 with the first friendly due on July 10, when Burton Albion are expected to send a strong squad to the New Manor Ground. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Several clubs were interested in signing Holmes and Wilson was delighted to have won the race for his signature. That reverses the trend of quality players heading to the Nottinghamshire side of the Erewash Valley.
And the manager also had a special word for the returning Graham, saying: "I am looking forward to having him back."
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Weather for Ilkeston
Friday 25 May 2012
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