Eight players leave Ilkeston FC as club plans to go with youth

ILKESTON FC have let eight of their first team squad leave as the club look to become “more enticing to new investors”.

Joe Burgess has signed for National League North side Boston United while Joe Doyle and Eli Bako are expected to make moves to Alfreton Town and Redditch United respectively.

And they have been followed through the New Manor Ground exit by Liam Marshall, Oliver Luto, Charlie Coulson, JJ Blake and Lee Ndlovu who have been released.

The Robins, currently 11th and just nine points off the Evo-Stik NPL Premier play-off places, say the shake up has been made as the club aims to “stream line its squad and playing budget, with a view to making the club more enticing to new investors”.

Some of the club’s youngsters from their successful youth academy will be given more chances in the first team with lined-up investors wanting to see if the club can run effectively without too much cash being spent.

CEO Nigel Harrop said: “We want these players to progress to higher levels but it has to benefit us as a club and not just financially.

“It has been highlighted again this season with Jordan Wheatley. If you are good enough you are old enough. He gets better all the time as he gains more valuable experience with every game. Good for Jordan and the first team.

“Those who have played more in the first team will command bigger fees which can in turn be put back into the playing squad, rather than our investors having to keep putting money in.

“Rhys Dolan and Lewis Walker also broke through and attracted interest immediately but we try to find a balance to enable our model work for the player and the club.

“Our young players have confidence in the management and know the club will give them the help to improve but also not stand in their way should an opportunity arise to move into league football.

“Should we at any point this season go on a good run and look like we are making a push for the play-offs again, we can certainly look at boosting the quality of the squad in an attempt to aid a promotion charge, particularly given the resources freed up by releasing these members of the squad.”